Rahul Dravid: I Don’t Need to Defend Myself | Video

Following RR’s 2-year suspension from the IPL, Rahul Dravid responds to whether it’s a blot on his reputation.

In a career that spanned over 15 years, never was Rahul Dravid questioned over his intentions, never was a finger pointed in his direction.

Just a year since his retirement and a team he coached in the IPL, the Rajasthan Royals, now finds itself in the middle of a betting and spot-fixing controversy. With some asking how the man who helmed the side, was so unaware of what was going on within.

Interacting with the media for the first time since the Lodha committee verdict earlier this week, India A and under-19 coach Rahul Dravid faced those harsh questions at a press meet in Chennai on Friday.

At the very start, Dravid smiled and said ‘I wish I had known that the three players were doing something suspicions, I would have dealt with it.’

However, the questions got more prodding, even direct. Was this suspension of a team he was mentoring a blot now in his illustrious career?

I think it is for the people to decide if it was a blot. I don’t want to defend myself, I see my role as a mentor and a coach. People have to decide if the action of the owners and shareholders should be linked to coaches and mentors.
– Rahul Dravid

He also added that the two year suspension from the league for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals will affect the young players.

It is disappointing that sometimes actions of one or two people can have an impact for so many people. Generally, the top players, coaches always find stuff to do after that. It is not difficult for top players of our team to be picked by other teams. It is unfortunately the young players, who probably would have got an opportunity, who miss out. So you feel disappointed for them.
– Rahul Dravid

Asked if it was a harsh decision, the 42-year-old said: “It is not for me to judge whether it was harsh or not. It is tough on the team, players and the league but we must respect the decision.

“There are people who are absolutely innocent and good people in both these teams who are going to get affected by this decision but that is the rule of the game.

“What would be the fate of the team, I can’t say, because I am neither part of the governing council nor involved in the BCCI. I am sure there people who will get a decision of what happens in the future,” he said.