Pandya-Rahul Controversy: Team India needs Rahul and Pandya, says Sreesanth

An episode of one of the famous Indian TV shows hostel by popular Indian film-maker Karan Johar, 'Koffee with Karan', featuing young Indian cricketers KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya became a cause celebre after the 25-year-old Indian all-rounder was chastised with heavy criticism for his 'misogynist' and 'sexist' comments.

The controversy gained such a buzz that the duo has been banned by their official cricket board, BCCI, unitl an inquiry is conducted on the matter.

While cricket fans, analysts and former cricketers have voiced out their opinions, mostly out of favor of the doublet, banned Indian cricketer Sreesanth believes that both Rahul and Pandya are important "match-winners" for team India, without wringing the fact that what they spoke was not within the spirit of an ideal sportsperson.

Sreesanth also aired that the banned cricketers should return back to where they belong once they realize when it all went wrong.

Acknowledging Rahul and Hardik as good Indian cricketers, the former Indian pacer said, “I will only say that whatever happened was very bad, but the World Cup is around the corner. Both Hardik and Rahul are both good cricketers.

"I will only say to Hardik and Rahul, that surely they are both match-winners and sooner or later they will be back on the field. Yes, I know how difficult it is for a cricketer to miss the game and I just hope BCCI allows them to play, once they realize I am sure they should be playing where they should be playing," Sreesanth added.

Admitting that the banned cricketers didn't speak the right thing on the show, the 35-year-old also targetted those who are "pouncing" on the two cricketers, despite committing bigger mistakes, not only in the field of cricket but in other sectors as well.

"Yes, what happened was wrong. They said some wrong things. But there are others whose have made bigger mistakes than these, who are still playing and are in different fields, not just cricket. The same people are speaking about this. When they see an opportunity they pounce on it like tigers," Sreesanth told the reporters.