Rahul Dravid underlines importance of educating players, asks not to overreact on Hardik Pandya-KL Rahul issue

Former India captain and the current India-A and Under-19 coach Rahul Dravid has shared his point of view on the snowballing controversy over the misogynistic comments involving all-rounder Hardik Pandya and batsman KL Rahul. Dravid stressed on the importance of educating the youth but also urged the critics not to overreact. “It is not that players did not make mistakes in the past. It is not that mistakes will not be made in the future despite our best efforts to educate the youth. But let us not over react please,” Dravid was quoted in The Hindu. [caption id=“attachment_3762505” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of India U-19 coach Rahul Dravid. AFP[/caption] Dravid, who is widely known for his erudite personality and highbrow demeanour in cricketing circles, is also responsible for mentoring the youngsters in the Under-19 and the India A squads. The 46-year old also highlighted the importance of having players understand their roles and responsibilities, and the role of the management in managing different individuals. “It’s not that I’ve not enjoyed myself or (not) gone out. But when you represent your country and people recognise you, fortunately or unfortunately, there are responsibilities that come with that recognition. So you’ve got to lay down those rules for yourself,” Dravid told Times of India. The SC appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) also plans behavourial counselling programmes for all age-group cricketers and the practice will be followed at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Few psychologists have also been roped in previously, who have addressed the players from the Under-19 teams. “Players come from different teams and their roles of responsibility need to be addressed. Issues will always be there and we have to educate and guide then. They should be told they can’t abuse the system. I learnt from watching seniors in Karnataka, from parents and coaches. They were my role models. No one sat me down and gave me a lecture. I observed and learnt. The best learning process happens in the dressing room from your seniors. But we should not over-react," said the former India great. Dravid also laid emphasis on the process of learning and the value of refining and getting better as individuals, but also conceded that one cannot take control of all the actions of an individual. Both Pandya and Rahul have been subjected to provisional suspension. Their punishment will be decided by the Ombudsman that is yet to be appointed. Pandya and Rahul have already missed three international matches and it is likely the duo will miss the good part of the limited overs series in New Zealand that starts on 23 January.