Gavaskar Lauds BCCI’s Decision to Send Pandya, Rahul Back Home

According to Gavaskar, the tainted duo shouldn’t be sharing the dressing room with their teammates.

(Photo: BCCI)

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has welcomed Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to suspend KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya and asking them to come back from Australia, where the Indian team is playing a three-match ODI series.

According to Gavaskar, the tainted duo shouldn’t be sharing the dressing room with their teammates.

KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya were suspended after they made some "inappropriate" comments during their popular television chat show, Koffee With Karan.

Speaking to broadcaster Sony Six in after the end of the first ODI in Sydney, Gavaskar lauded board's decision and said it was the right way to send a signal.

“They [the BCCI] have dealt with it [the controversy]. From what I read in the newspapers today, they have sent them back or asked them to come back. That’s a right way to send a signal. If you do things that bring your team and the game into disrepute, then you can’t be part of the team. Of course, the inquiry will then establish what further action, if at all needed, has to be taken.”

Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar stressed on the fact that why Pandya and Rahul shouldn’t be in the dressing room after they were handed suspension.

“They (Pandya and Rahul) have been asked to come back and I believe it’s the correct step because you can’t have suspended players travelling with the team or staying in the same room. They have got to be kept away. Otherwise what’s the point of the suspension? If they are going to enjoy the perks of being with the team.”

Sunil Gavaskar

Both Rahul and Pandya are not part of the ongoing three-match ODI series and a BCCI sources have hinted that the duo may also not be a part of the upcoming limited-over series in New Zealand, starting January 23.

Batsman Shubman Gill and all-rounder Vijay Shankar have been named to replace KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya for the ODI series against Australia and the tour of New Zealand.