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Spat a blot, feel former cricketers
CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI: The war of words between Ravi Shastri and Sourav Ganguly after Anil Kumble was chosen as India coach was unwarranted and undermined the appointment
CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI: The war of words between Ravi Shastri and Sourav Ganguly after Anil Kumble was chosen as India coach was unwarranted and undermined the appointment of a former bowling great, former India stalwarts said on Thursday. Ganguly slammed Shastri on Wednesday as “living in a fool’s paradise” if he thought he was responsible for the latter not getting the job.
Former India batting stalwart, Gundappa Vishwanath, criticised both the former stars. “Both of them have been India captains, they are senior cricketers and they should know what to do, what to say and what not to say,” he told HT. “Most of them at that level don’t know how to hide (feelings).”
Former India skipper, Bishan Singh Bedi, agreed. “It was sad to see the way things came out in public, both should have acted maturely. The issue should have been sorted out within four walls. The controversy took the spotlight away from the fact that an intelligent former cricketer like Kumble has become India’s coach.”
Former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin felt the cricket board should be proactive. “The open war of words has reduced the appointment of a legend like Anil Kumble to a joke. The BCCI should intervene and ensure the Indian team that has to go to the West Indies isn’t distracted.”
Former India opener and coach, Anshuman Gaekwad said the issue should not have dragged on. “If there were clarifications to be made, it should have been done before the interview or meeting. None of them realises that India coach is a high-profile job, everyone has an eye on it and therefore the issue becomes high-profile.”
Yashpal Sharma was critical of Shastri when it had already been decided that Ganguly will be away to attend a meeting of the body. “If Shastri felt the selection wasn’t transparent, he could have written to the BCCI and complained.”
