Public will decide if IPL stint was a 'career blot': Rahul Dravid

Welcoming the Justice R.M. Lodha committee's verdict on the Indian Premier League spot-fixing case, former Indian captain and chief mentor of the Rajasthan Royals Rahul Dravid on Friday said it was up to the people to decide whether the scandal was a blot on his career or not.

"I don't want to defend myself. I think it is for the people to decide whether it is a blot or not. At the end of the day, I see my role as a mentor and coach of the team," said Dravid, who captained India in 20 Tests and 62 ODIs.

The 42-year-old, who is currently coaching India 'A' team, also expressed his disappointment for younger cricketers who could have received better opportunities if the spot-fixing incident hadn't taken place.

"It is disappointing that the actions of one or two people can have an impact on so many people. Unfortunately, it is always the people who are at the bottom of the pyramid or the young players that are affected. So, in that perspective you feel a little disappointment for them," he added.

However, Dravid said that everybody should respect the Supreme Court's verdict as they have reached a conclusion following a thorough investigation.

In a landmark verdict, the three-member Supreme Court appointed committee found Chennai Super Kings (CSK) official Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals (RR) co-owner Raj Kundra guilty, and imposed life suspensions on the duo.

The committee also suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from participating in the IPL for a period of two years.