Saha saga: Dravid clarifies

Says he has deep respect for the wicketkeeper-batter

India head coach Rahul Dravid stated that the recent outburst from Wriddhiman Saha has not diminished his high opinion of the wicketkeeper-batter. Dravid explained that he did indeed tell Saha that he would not find a place in the Test squad, and that these tough conversations come from a place of respect.

“I’m not hurt at all (with what Saha said). I have deep respect for him and his contribution to Indian cricket. My conversation with him happened because of that respect.

“He deserved clarity, and I did not want him to hear it (being dropped) from the media. Saha deserved that clarity and honesty. We’re scheduled to play three Tests this year, and Rishabh Pant has established himself as the No. 1 wicketkeeper. There are conversations where I don’t expect players to agree with everything I say.

“Sometimes, you need to have difficult conversations with players. But that doesn’t mean you brush it under the carpet and not have the conversation at all. It’s natural for players to get upset. This (episode) does not change my respect for Saha. I hope players respect the fact that I front up and have these conversations with them,” Dravid saidat the post-match media conference here on Sunday.