Chennai: Former India skipper Rahul Dravid and coach of the suspended Rajasthan Royals team on Friday said that he had no clue of what was going behind his back and if he had any idea he would have dealt with the matter. “I was not aware that the three players (S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila) were doing something suspicious, if I had known I would have dealt with it. I had no clue and I had spoken clearly to the Mudgal commitee about it,” Dravid, who is the India ‘A’ coach, said at a press conference ahead of the series against Australia ‘A’.
“You know how difficult it is sometimes to know if someone is involved in spot-fixing or not even if you are in the same team. If I have to doubt every single wide or four, I think I will lose the love and interest in the game. “Again, what people do in their private life, it is very hard for mentors and coaches to be knowing,” he said.However, he said that the decision of the Lodha commitee to suspend IPL franchisees CSK and RR for two years will affect the young players but quickly added the verdict has to be respected.
“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,” Dravid said. “It is unfortunately the young players, who probably would have got an opportunity, who miss out. So you feel disappointed for them but you have to respect the decision because the Supreme court had more information and they must have thought it through,” he said.
When queried if it was a blot on his illustrious career, Dravid, who was the mentor of Royals when the scandal rocked the league in 2013, said: “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. I respect the verdict and it is a way forward,” he said.
“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 whop will get a decision of what happens in the future,” he added.
Dravid eager to work with India ‘A’
Dravid, who was appointed coach of the India ‘A’ team, said the set up is a very good platform and it is an exciting phase for a cricketer. “There are experienced players present in the current India A team. I am looking forward to working with them,” Dravid said.
