'We can't blame someone who wants to follow rules' - Rahul Dravid has his say on 'spirit of cricket' debate

The ‘spirit of cricket’ debate was once again ignited during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 after Shakib Al Hasan appealed for a timed-out dismissal against Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews during Match 38 of the tournament at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Following the appeal, on-field umpires adjudged Mathews out as he failed to get ready to face the ball within the two-minute time period as per the playing conditions of the World Cup.

Recently, the Indian head coach also commented on the ‘spirit of cricket’ debate and said someone who’s well withing the rules of the game cannot be blamed.

“We can't blame someone who wants to follow rules to the nth degree just because we may not follow them,” said Dravid ahead of India’s last league game against the Netherlands on Sunday, November 12.

Also Read: Rahul Dravid calls Virat Kohli 'wrong-footed inswinging menace' in press conference, video viral

Further speaking ahead, Dravid heaped praise on the Indian captain Rohit Sharma for his excellent leadership in the tournament so far. He also praised him for his fearless approach, batting at the top which has released the pressure on the middle order time and again.

"Rohit is certainly been a leader, without a doubt. I think he has led by example on and off the field. Some of the starts he has given us, the way he has cracked open games for us. A lot of times people are looked at... there have been some games that could have turned tricky for us, but the kind of starts he has helped us crack open games,” he added.

Rohit Sharma has 442 runs at a strike rate of 122.77 in the tournament so far

Notably, Rohit has scored 442 runs from eight innings so far at an average of 55.25 and a strike rate of 122.77 with one hundred and two fifties to his name. He broke the record for the fastest hundred by an Indian batter in the ODI World Cup as he completed the landmark in just 63 balls. During his innings, he also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most hundreds in World Cup history as he registered his seventh ton against Afghanistan.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Most Runs

The team management would hope that the Indian skipper continues his form heading into the knockouts as well and gives explosive starts to his side in all-important fixtures.