The head coach of India Rahul Dravid has said that he’s not in any way “hurt” to learn that the veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha revealed a very secret conversation with him about his future; however, he was keen to provide the Bengal wicketkeeper a clear idea of his place within the team.
Wriddhiman Saha has revealed to the media that the head coach Dravid has asked him to retire during an informal conversation after participating in the South Africa series.
READ MORE: “We Believe In Him A Lot”: Rohit Sharma
“I’m not at all hurt. I am extremely proud of Wriddhi and his accomplishments and contributions to Indian cricket. My conversation stemmed from this place. I think he was entitled to transparency and honesty,” Dravid added.
The India coach stated that he would continue to engage in such conversations with players, regardless of whether they agree with what he discusses.
“It’s about the conversations I engage in with players. I don’t expect them to always agree with every word I say about them. This isn’t the way it works. There are times when you have to engage in difficult conversations with players; however, this doesn’t mean you should sweep it off and not have the conversation,” said the former India captain.
Dravid stated that his method is to discuss with players before each selection for the playing XI.
“I always advocate having these conversations before each playing XI is chosen and to be open to asking questions, such as the reason why they’re not playing. It’s normal for players to be upset and hurt.”
Dravid added that speaking to Saha was because Rishabh Pant has made himself the No.1 goalie and that the Bengal player would not have had the chances.
“I was trying to convey that with RP (Pant) having established himself as our No.1 wicketkeeper-batsman, the idea was to say that we are looking to groom a younger wicketkeeper (KS Bharat). It doesn’t affect my feelings or my admiration for Wriddhi.”
“Easiest option for me to do is not have these conversations and not discuss it with the players regarding it. It’s not how I’m going to do. But at some point, I hope that they will appreciate the ability of me to come out and have these discussions,” he added.
