"Junior cricket is crucial. That's where your future is. If your base is strong, senior cricket will go a long way especially when you have good bench strength. But if you don't have a good base at the junior level, you will struggle.

Rahul looking after the junior side bodes well. Ultimately, the larger goal is to look at Indian cricket," said Gaekwad yesterday on the sidelines of the Ramesh Rajde scholarships function at Shivaji Park Gymkhana. Gaekwad also stressed on the importance of Indian coaches.

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"What's so special about foreign coaches? They just talk in a different language. If Indian coaches are given the right opportunities, then a day will come when an Indian will coach an Australian, South African or England team. I am sure they will do better," said Gaekwad.

In Rajde's memory
The scholarships were instituted after the death of Rajde in 2005. Rajde was a well-known club cricketer, who played a lot for Dadar Union Sporting Club. India Test star Ajinkya Rahane was the first recipient of this scholarship in 2007. This year, the Ramesh Rajde Scholarships were awarded to Jay Bista (U-19 — Rs 40,000), Bhupen Lalwani (U-16 — Rs 30,000) and Divyansh Saxena (U-14 — Rs 20,000).