Former cricketers take sides as Shastri-Ganguly tussle turns ugly
The controversy around the omission of Ravi Shastri as coach has refused to die down with former cricketers now taking sides in the Shastri-Ganguly spat. Sanjay Manjrekar and Gautam Gambhir have openly backed Kumble’s appointment, while Bishan Singh Bedi has taken Shastri’s side in the tussle.
The war of words between Cricket Advisory Committee member Sourav Ganguly and former Team India Director Ravi Shastri started right after the latter was rejected for the India coach’s post. Shastri had started the controversy by saying Ganguly was not present during the interview for the India coach’s post. The former Indian skipper then clarified the reason for his absence before Shastri once again brought up the issue by advising Ganguly to be present during interviews for such big posts. Ganguly did not take Shastri’s words lightly and hit back at the former India all-rounder for holidaying in Bangkok during the interview.
The tussle between the two is likely to escalate into new heights in the coming days after former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Gautam Gambhir openly spoke about their views on the controversy.
Also read: Anil Kumble | Can the legendary bowler transform into a great coach?
Sanjay Manjrekar took to Twitter to share his view on the matter and tweeted in support of Ganguly, saying “more than Sourav, Ravi Shastri is miffed with rejection”.
More than Sourav, I think Ravi is miffed with the rejection. It's a new experience for him. BCCI have made the better choice as coach.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 29, 2016
Gambhir also backed Kumble’s appointment and said that comments made by Ravi Shastri showed his desperation.
“There is nothing surprising to Kumble’s selection, as I feel that amongst all those who had applied for the position, Kumble was the best choice, as his was the biggest as well as the most professional name to have applied. But looking at the way Ravi Shastri has been releasing statements and remarks out in the open, it clearly indicates his desperation,” Gambhir told ABP Live.
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On the other hand, former Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi took Shastri’s side, saying the former Team India director has every reason to be peeved with the selection process.
Not getting coach's job apart RJSHASTRI has every reason 2b peeved with selection process whence 1 selector played truant..not above board!!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) June 29, 2016
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