The raging feud between two former Indian captains on Wednesday turned uglier after Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying the Mumbaikar was “living in a fool's world” if he held him responsible for not getting the coveted India coach's job
PTI
Kolkata
The raging feud between two former Indian captains today turned uglier after Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying the Mumbaikar was “living in a fool's world” if he held him responsible for not getting the coveted India coach's job.
Being pipped by Anil Kumble for chief coach's post, Shastri created a controversy when he said that, Ganguly, part of the three-member high-powered Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was not present during his interview which he found to be “disrespectful”.
Not one to pull back punches, a furious Ganguly today gave it back to Shastri questioning the former India all-rounder's “seriousness” while giving an interview while “holidaying in Bangkok”.
“I just feel his (Shastri) comments are very personal. If Ravi Shastri feels that Sourav Ganguly was responsible for him not being the India coach, he is living in a fool's world,” an angry Ganguly told TV channels, here today.
One of India's most celebrated captains was even more terse while rebutting Shastri's suggestion that next time, he should be “present” when an interview is being conducted.
“It angers me that he gave a suggestion that I should be available for such meetings. I have been a part of BCCI meetings for some time and I have always been available. My advice to Ravi is that when the coach of India is selected and one of the most important jobs, he should be in front of the committee and not sit in Bangkok and give a presentation while being on a holiday,” Ganguly said.
Taking a a dig at Shastri's casual approach, Ganguly said that the former Team Director could have been present in person “especially when one of India's greatest cricketers of all time spoke for two hours. I am hurt because of personal attacks.
“I read in a couple of newspapers and chose to ignore it. I am extremely saddened that he went on air to express his view. Specially someone who has been in every BCCI committee for the last 20 years. He has been in my position for selecting the coach 10 years back. He is aware of everything. I informed BCCI on June 19th and I have got official mails. I will circulate those mails once I get a clearance from BCCI,” Ganguly said.
It's not about me or Ravi, it's about players: Kumble
Bangalore
Graciously skirting the controversy surrounding the snub Ravi Shastri received during his job interview, the newly-appointed Indian coach Anil Kumble today said it's the players who are the most significant part of the system and no one else.
Sourav Ganguly, one of the three members of the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), had absented himself when Shastri appeared for the interview, leaving the former Team India Director miffed.
Kumble, speaking to media on his first day as coach, said neither he nor Shastri or any other official is as important as the players.
“I was the first one to call Ravi after chosen as the head coach. He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. And it's not about Ravi or me or anyone else. It's about the players, it's about the team,” Kumble said during his first press conference as Team India coach.
“From my point of view, we all want Indian team to do well, and perform at its best. We all believe that India team has the potential to dominate all three formats. He was part of this journey and (now) I am part of this journey. That's all what I have to say. He congratulated me and I told him we have a fantastic team.
“It could be somebody else tomorrow. I am not permanent here in this role. I have an opportunity to make a difference and I have an opportunity to be part of a journey. I am privileged and honoured to be part of this journey,” he said.
After being overlooked for the job, Shastri had said Ganguly was disrespectful to him and the job he was entrusted with.
