Mallya says not buying Dravid conscious decision
By IANSSunday, January 9, 2011
BANGALORE - Indian Premier League team Royal Challengers Bangalore’s owner Vijay Mallya Sunday said it was a conscious decision not to buy Rahul Dravid, who was part of the team for the last three years.
“We consciously decided on a young team. We probably have the youngest team,” he said at the end of two-day auction of cricketers here ahead of IPL fourth edition beginning April.
The RCB retained only the young Virat Kohli and released all its other players, including legendary leg spinner Anil Kumble, for auction. Kumble withdrew from the auction and has been named RCB’s chief mentor.
“I have known Rahul from his childhood, have lot of affection for him and greatest respect for his cricketing achievements,” Mallya said.
Dravid captained the RCB in the first edition in 2008 when the team finished second last on the table.
He said Kumble was part of the decision process to go for an young team.
“Anil is very excited about this young team and he is looking forward to work with the players. He will talk to the coaches as well,” said Mallya.
“It is great to have him as he has been India’s most successful bowler till date. He was also a good captain of our side. He is a man of great accomplishment. Anil and I share the same optimism and enthusiasm.”
