'I don't expect the players to always agree with everything I say about them.'
India's head coach Rahul Dravid is not at all 'hurt' that veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha has revealed a very classified conversation that he had on his future but at the same time wanted to give the Bengal stumper clarity about his position in the team.
Wriddhiman, whose India career has come to a halt, had told the media that head coach Dravid had asked him to consider retirement during a private conversation after the South Africa series.
"I am actually not hurt at all. I have deep respect for Wriddhi (Saha) and his achievements and his contribution to Indian cricket. My conversation came from that place. I think he deserved honesty and clarity," Dravid replied in his typical classy manner where he revealed little about a breach of trust with regards to dressing room conversation.
The India head coach said that he will continue having such conversations with players whether they like the content of the discussion or not.
"It's about conversations I constantly have with players. I don't expect the players to always agree with everything I say about them. That's not how it works. You can have difficult conversations with the players, but that doesn't mean you brush it under the carpet and don't have the conversations," Dravid was crystal clear in his approach.
He said that his philosophy is to discuss with players even before every playing XI is picked.
"I always believe in having those conversations before every playing XI is picked and be open to questions such as why they are not playing. It's natural for players to get upset and feel hurt."
Dravid also explained that rationale behind speaking to Saha was because Rishabh Pant has already established himself as the No 1 keeper and the Bengal man wouldn't have got chances.
"I was just 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 (Kona Bharat). This doesnt change my feelings or respect for Wriddhi."
For Dravid, telling a harsh truth is better than avoiding a conversation.
"The easiest thing for me is to not have those conversations and not speak to players about it. That's not what I am going to do.
"But at some stage, I hope they respect the fact that I was able to front up and have those conversations," he added.
