Former India skipper backs beleaguered India leggie, saying he shouldn't lose his place in the national team for a mistake he may have committed unknowingly.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly today stood behind under-fire Rahul Sharma who tested positive for drugs in a rave party in May, saying the young legspinner probably committed the "mistake unknowingly" and he, therefore, should not lose his place in the national team for the offence.
The Mumbai Police today confirmed that Rahul along with South African cricketer Wayne Parnell, who were arrested at a rave party in Juhu on May 20, tested positive for drugs. u00a0They are among the 100-odd people who were detained by the police on that day.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sourav Ganguly (right) has backed the under-fire Rahul Sharma. File Pic
"It's disappointing but I think, it's a mistake more than a routine thing. He's a young boy, he had gone for a party where probably I am not sure whether knowingly or unknowingly, he had it," Ganguly said.
"I don't think it was a performance enhancing drug for which he should be punished. I think it was of those strange incident, one unfortunate incident which should not cost him his India place.
"He should be punished for little bit of time but I don't think it's such a grave issue that he should be banned from playing for India. The BCCI needs to counsel him," he added.
Ganguly said that the incident should serve a "learning" experience for the two young cricketers. "I hope it's a learning curve for both Rahul and Wayne Parnell because they are both very young boys. I hope they don't make this mistake again," the Bengal southpaw told a leading news channel.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
