Would have taken action against guilty players myself: Rahul Dravid

Rajasthan Royals mentor Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid became the first high-profile Indian cricketer to comment on the two-year suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the IPL, saying that he had full faith in the decision taken by the judicial panel, and that he would have himself taken strict action had he come to know his players were involved in corruption.

Dravid, known as the very embodiment of the rule-abiding gentlemanly cricketer, is part of the Rajasthan Royals coaching staff who are facing an uncertain IPL future. He, however, said that he felt no need to defend his own character or that of any cricketer from his team.

"I would have taken action against players if I knew they were involved in suspicious activities. (But) I don't need to defend myself," said Dravid.

"I do respect the decision made by the Supreme Court panel. There were three former judges and they would have surely seen something to arrive at their decision."

"If people think the suspension on the two teams is a blot on IPL, I can't help it," he said on how recent events will affect the popularity of the IPL.

“People need to decide whether actions of shareholders or owners should be linked to coaches or mentors.

“It is disappointing that sometimes actions of one or two people can have an impact for so many people. Generally, in a situation like this, it is the bottom of the pyramid who are the most affected. Generally, the top players, coaches always find stuff to do after that.

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.”

Have great memories of India ‘A’ team: Dravid

Dravid is all set to start his stint as India ‘A’ coach, who will be playing Australia ‘A’ in a two-match unofficial Test series starting July 22 in Chennai. The BCCI, on Friday, tweeted a picture of Dravid with staff members Abhay Sharma and Paras Mhambrey.

The India ‘A’ team will play another two-match unofficial Test series against South Africa ‘A’ in August.

“I remember playing for India A and made some great memories as a young player,” said Dravid.

First day in office - Abhay Sharma, Rahul Dravid and Paras Mhambrey #IndiaA pic.twitter.com/I1NASx37kC

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 17, 2015