Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul Deserved the Punishment They Received - Ravi Shastri

India’s head coach Ravi Shastri has stated that all-rounder Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul needed the rap on the knuckles for their crasser comments on Koffee With Karan. Both the players had gone on to make misogynist comments on the coffee show. Subsequently, both of them had to face the backlash after the show was aired.

Ravi Shastri believes every player makes some errors in their career. Shastri said the duo should have been punished and must have learned their lessons after their controversial comments were criticised. Hardik Pandya went on to miss four matches for the side as he was not picked in the squad. On the other hand, KL Rahul was not considered for selection.

Pandya and KL Rahul were punished.

Meanwhile, there was no doubt that both players were immature in their statements. However, they had gone to face public humiliation for the same.

“Pandya and Rahul needed the rap on their knuckles. They would have learnt a lot from what happened, which is good,” Shastri told ‘Mirror Now’.

“You are bound to make mistakes and you are bound to be punished at times but that’s not the end of the world. Such experiences just help players to come back stronger, harder and wiser,” he said.

On the other hand, Ravi Shastri also spoke about the wives and wags of Indian cricketers travelling with them on the tour. Shastri believes the players are always focussed and we should be open-minded in the modern era.

“The players know if it is going to affect their performances they will take the decision accordingly. When you see the amount of time they spend away from home, you got to be practical there.

However, Shastri believes it could be a different ball game for a big event like the World Cup.

“But yes, if it is big event like a World Cup or a big tournament where you need the boys to be absolutely focused 24×7 then it’s different but otherwise – this day and age you got to be practical and be a little open-minded.”

Meanwhile, India is currently playing the decider against Australia at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium at Delhi. This is the last ODI for the India National Cricket Team before the World Cup.