Dravid, the India A and Under 19 coach, has worked with both players, and welcomed the decision of the CoA to lift the suspension on the duo, who are accused of bringing the game into disrepute with their remarks in talk show that were considered sexist and racist, until the investigation into the incident is completed.

“No one is brushing this under the carpet,” he said in an interview to ESPNcricinfo. “[But] we also need to ensure we don’t overreact. At no stage are you condoning their action or the behaviour.

“Hopefully they will come back better and stronger from this. I will say honestly, I do believe that both of them have not yet achieved their obvious potential that they both have, and maybe this might be the catalyst that would lead them to reflect and help them reach the level and potential they can achieve in all forms of the game. If they can do that they can certainly be role models.”

Through the controversy, a big talking point has been about what the BCCI has been doing to sensitise players as they rise to the highest levels. The drastic social change in wealth and stardom that a national cap, or even an IPL contract brings, has come in for particular scrutiny.

“I have always stressed this to the India A players that they need to be role models when they go back to their first-class teams,” he added. “Nothing disappoints me more than when a state coach comes to me and says so-and-so does not play our Ranji matches with seriousness; and he is a senior guy is not setting the right example.”