Respect SC decision but disappointed for players: Rahul Dravid

Says in a situation like this, it is the bottom of the pyramid who are the most affected

Former India skipper Rahul Dravid today said the decision of the Justice Lodha commitee to ban Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the IPL for two years will affect the young players but the verdict of the Supreme Court-appointed comittee has to be respected.

"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. It is not difficult for top players of our team to be picked by other teams," Dravid said.

"It is unfortunately the young players, who probably would have got an oportunity, who miss out. So you feel disappointed for them but you have to respect the decision because the Supreme court had more information and they must have thought it through," Dravid, who is the India 'A' coach, said at a press conference ahead of the series against Australia 'A'.

Asked if it was a blot on his illustrious career, Dravid, who was the mentor and coach of Rajasthan Royal when the spot -fixing scandal hit IPL in 2013, said it is for the people to decide.

"I think it is for the people to decide if it was a blot. I don't want to defend myself, I see my role as a mentor and a coach. People have to decide if the action of the owners and shareholders should be linked to coaches and mentors. All I say is that at the end of the day, we need to respect the verdict of the Supreme Court," he said.

Asked if it was a harsh decision, the 42-year-old said: "It is not for me to judge whether it was harsh or not. It is tough on the team, players and the league but we must respect the decision.

"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.

"What would be the fate of the team, I can't say, because I am neither part of the governing council nor involved in the BCCI. I am sure there people whop will get a decision of what happens in the future," he said.