Reports | Sanjay Bangar to be questioned over alleged misbehaviour with Devang Gandhi

Earlier today, reports had emerged that Bangar, who has now been replaced by Vikram Rathour, barged into the selector’s room while the interviews for the coaching staff were on-going. It seems Bangar made it very clear that he was displeased by the turn of events which saw Bharat Arun (bowling coach) and R Sridhar (fielding coach) retain their respective jobs. Now, the matter is over to the BCCI to go by the rule book and take necessary action, although Bangar is no longer contracted by the board.

"In such a scenario, one needs to go strictly by the rule book. First and foremost, the man who Bangar is alleged to have insulted, the national selector Gandhi, he needs to officially report the matter," a senior BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

"Outgoing administrative manager Subramanian, in his mandatory report, needs to mention the matter clearly. Last but not least, head coach Shastri, Bangar's reporting head, also needs to file it in writing that such an incident happened. If all these boxes are not ticked, then there is no question of placing it before the CoA (Committee of Administrators)," he added.

While all the officials who spoke on the matter have acknowledged the incident and sympathise with Bangar’s disappointment, they unanimously agree that the former Indian cricketer’s actions were out of line.

"Anyone is bound to be disappointed after being sacked. But why did he think that he was guaranteed an extension? Shastri, Arun and Sridhar's performances were good and they were retained. Bangar's performance was rated poor, he was removed. Bangar had no business asking questions to Gandhi even if we factor in that he might not have barged in or shouted at Gandhi," an official said.

The official further raised another talking point in BCCI circles about possible actions on players or former staff taking to social media to vent frustration.

"Yesterday, Saurashtra's Sheldon Jackson raised questions on social media about his non-selection in Duleep Trophy. Sheldon, we can still understand, scored 850-plus runs but Bengal's Manoj Tiwary? He was 33rd in top run-getters list in Ranji Trophy and yet he criticised Gandhi for his Duleep omission. The selectors have not answered back as they are bound by contract, unlike domestic players. It's time CoA formulates a policy, where there is some discipline among these players," the official said.