Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul needed “rap on their knuckle,” says Ravi Shastri

A couple of months after the controversial chat show, in which Hardik had made misogynist comments, was aired on television, Shastri has now opened up about the suspension that was handed over to the duo. Rahul had shared the couch with the Baroda all-rounder in the show which is hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar. Pandya and Rahul were sent back from the middle of the Australian tour back then.

"Pandya and Rahul needed the rap on their knuckles. They would have learnt a lot from what happened, which is good," Shastri told 'Mirror Now'.

"You are bound to make mistakes and you are bound to be punished at times but that's not the end of the world. Such experiences just help players to come back stronger, harder and wiser."

The Indian cricketers have requested the BCCI to allow their wives and girlfriends to travel with the team. However, there is a difference in opinion between the board and the players. Commenting on this, the former India all-rounder that the players know what affects their performance and what doesn’t.

"The players know if it is going to affect their performances they will take the decision accordingly. When you see the amount of time they spend away from home, you got to be practical there,” the coach explained.

"But yes, if it is big event like a World Cup or a big tournament where you need the boys to be absolutely focused 24x7 then it's different but otherwise - this day and age you got to be practical and be a little open minded."