Controversy can spur Pandya and Rahul to on-field success, believes Dravid

What's the story?

India U-19 and India 'A' head coach Rahul Dravid has backed Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul to bounce back from the recent controversy and realise their potential on the field.

Reaffirming CoA's decision to lift their suspensions, the former skipper has opined to ESPN Cricinfo that the duo have suffered enough already and hence must be allowed to bounce back from the incident.

When asked if Pandya and Rahul can continue to be role-models after this episode, Dravid affirmed, "Absolutely. I have no doubt about it. I have coached both of them at various levels. I somehow just don't feel that interview truly reflected the players. Hopefully, they will come back better and stronger from this."

The legendary batsman added, "I will say honestly, I do believe that both of them have not yet achieved their obvious potential that they both have, and maybe this might be the catalyst that would lead them to reflect and help them reach the level and potential they can achieve in all forms of the game. If they can do that they can certainly be role models."

The background

For their controversial comments on a popular TV show, Pandya and Rahul came under severe backlash from the public. Taking note of the ramifications of their transgressions, the BCCI's CoA soon placed the duo under immediate suspension.

The heart of the matter

After missing the ODIs in Australia and the first part of the New Zealand tour, Pandya received a reprieve as his suspension was lifted. Subsequently, he has been allowed to rejoin the Indian team.

On the other hand, Rahul's suspension was also lifted by the CoA. He has been assigned to the India 'A' squad for the ongoing 50-over series against the visiting England Lions.

Pointing to the fact that sportspersons of the older eras had also made mistakes off the field before bouncing back on the field, Dravid felt that the onus on educating and sensitizing cricketers does not lie on the BCCI or state associations alone.

What's next?

While Pandya has joined India's ODI squad in New Zealand and could soon return to action, Rahul will be eying a comeback during the third match between India 'A' and England Lions.

The third 50-over match between India 'A' and England Lions at Thiruvananthapuram. The third ODI between New Zealand and India will take place on Monday at Mount Maunganui.