New Delhi: Former India captain Rahul Dravid, on Tuesday, urged young cricketers not to concentrate only on T20s, but to try and play all three formats of the game with equal efficiency.

Dravid was named the mentor of the Delhi DareDevils for the forthcoming IPL, while his former Rajasthan Royals colleague, Paddy Upton was roped in by the Delhi franchise as head coach.

That Upton, a member of the support staff when India won the 2011 World Cup, was set to be named the head coach of the DareDevils was reported by The Telegraph in Tuesday's edition.

Former Mumbai opener, Zubin Bharucha, who was also a part of the Rajasthan side, would be the technical director, according to DareDevils CEO Hemant Dua.

Underlining the fact that playing in the IPL is always a huge opportunity for youngsters, Dravid, who had earlier captained and mentored Rajasthan Royals, said one should try to excel in all three formats.

"The IPL definitely helps youngsters, as they get exposed and learn to deal with pressure. It almost gives them international experience. There are examples like (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni, (Virat) Kohli and (Ajinkya) Rahane, who have done equally well in all three formats. That's what I tell the youngsters... Why only T20? Try to do well in all formats," said Dravid.

Early this month, Dhoni said he would miss playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) even after he was named captain of the new franchise from Pune, Rising Pune Supergiants.

Dravid, too, said he had fond memories of Rajasthan Royals, but he was looking forward to building a great association with the DareDevils.

"I have fond memories of Royals. It is pretty obvious why the opportunity came... Rajasthan Royals won't be there for two years. I thought I won't be involved in the IPL for the next couple of years. It is natural to feel the connect if you spend five years at any place.

"But now, I am now looking forward to a great association with the DareDevils. I have known some of the people here for a long time... The DareDevils are a dynamic side. Hopefully, we can have a good season," said the former star.

Asked to comment on young Delhi spinner Pawan Negi, who commanded a price of Rs. 8.5 crore in the IPL auction, Dravid said a cricketer should not be judged by money only.

"Don't judge a player's value by the price he got. Sometimes, the price doesn't reflect the actual value. I am never excited by the money that a player commands. I don't think he has to justify his price. All he has to do is enjoy his cricket and learn as much as he can. Overall, Negi is a fine bowler and an explosive batsman down the order. He proved his worth while playing for CSK and I am sure he will succeed this time also," Dravid said.

Dravid had recently coached the India U-19 team, guiding them to the final of the World Cup in Bangladesh. Before that he had a stint with the India 'A' team as well.

Dravid will be joined by a number of junior cricketers he has worked with recently, as well as some who had been mentored by him in the now-suspended Rajasthan Royals.

The likes of Karun Nair and Sanju Samson were with him at the Rajasthan franchise, whereas Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed and Mahipal Lomror have played under his tutelage in the U-19 World Cup.

India and Delhi Daredevils ace pacer Mohammed Shami has been struggling to stay fit. He was pulled out of the Asia Cup squad at the last moment after he couldn't get fit in time.

TA Sekar, who is part of the coaching staff, said: "We have to wait and see. I don't exactly know what his condition is. Hopefully he will be fit. Meanwhile Zaheer Khan will continue to be our bowling coach this season."