I Cringe on Reading Virat’s Statements: Rahul Dravid

File photo of Rahul Dravid. 

(Photo: Reuters)

Generally known to be a man of few words, Rahul Dravid didn’t refrain from speaking his mind about Indian skipper Virat Kohli at the Bangalore Literature Festival on Sunday.

The former Indian cricketer, as reported by Times of India, said that players without tattoos could also win matches and that the ‘rockstar image’ would hardly be a contributing factor in a team’s success rate.

Virat sometimes comes across as outrageous and I cringe on reading his statements before a series. But if he can bring the best out of himself by needling the opposition, so be it.

Rahul Dravid

Watch Rahul Dravid’s full session, India’s Democracy XI, with journalists Rajdeep Sardesai and Prem Panicker here:

Dravid also expressed his dismay with former teammate Anil Kumble’s “unceremonious departure” as head coach of the Indian cricket team earlier this year.

It is unfortunate for a legend who was part of the highest number of winning Indian teams to see unceremonious departure. At the same time, it is quite common that coaches always get sacked. I am the Under-19 Indian team coach as well. I may also be sacked.

Rahul Dravid

Speaking on MS Dhoni retirement, Dravid said:

People might have different opinions on when Dhoni should retire. But, if the selectors have selected him, he can play for India as long as he wants.

“Don’t be critical of Dhoni; even Ashish Nehra has gotten to decide when he will retire,” he added, according to the The Hindu.

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