Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have been at the center of criticism and trolls for their ‘sexist, racist and misogynistic’ comments in their recent Koffee with Karan episode. The duo had ruled from the Australia matches and the ongoing series against New Zealand, former India Captain Rahul Dravid had urged critics to not overreact on the situation. It’s only provisional suspension with the full extent of punishment yet to be known as the official, appointed by the Supreme Court, continues to contemplate a final decision into the matter. The cricketers, hence, have already been out of on-field action for a period of 3 matches and it would be at least a series more before they could be seen donning the India colors again.
Dravid, who is presently the head coach of India U-19 and the India A teams, has asked those critical of the pair’s comments to not take things too far as this isn’t the first time mistakes have been made and it wouldn’t be the last either. Dravid state stated that “It is not that players did not make mistakes in the past. It is not that mistakes will not be made in the future despite our best efforts to educate the youth. But let us not overreact please,”
The 46-year-old, who has been responsible for mentoring the youngsters in the Under-19 and the India A squads, highlighted the importance of having players understand their roles and responsibilities, and the role of the management in making them understand its value. Former players Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, Mohinder Amarnath, V.V.S. Laxman, and BCCI official Ratnakar Shetty also expressed their views on certain matters that need to be addressed by the board. CoA chief Vinod Rai admitted to the need of grooming youngsters in the right manner before they get overawed with the limelight and attention that the sport offers.
