V.V.S. Laxman was queried by N. Ram on the statements, that have been widely condemned, made by Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul in a television show.
Laxman replied, “What they have spoken is wrong. They are getting the right punishment. But they are good human beings. You have to show some empathy for them.”
The former India batting star said, “When they are 18, 19 or 20, these cricketers have ₹5 or ₹10 crore in their banks. It is easy to handle failures but tough to handle success. The role of mentorship is important here.”
Laxman said, “People are watching you. Without your knowledge, you are influencing the next generation of cricketers.”
Looking at his own career, Laxman said he had “the support, the value system and the upbringing.”
On the team he played with that included Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Sourav Ganguly, Laxman said, “We were all well educated, took great pride in wearing the India cap. And we had great role models as we grew up.”