Irrespective of the current broil, we have to start seriously thinking about who heads Team India next? The backdrop of current events does make us want to hasten that decision but given that the three big guns have another world Cup left, at best, it's a pertinent question.
As for the events of the past week, my stand is that, without knowing either Chappell or Ganguly personally, I would bet on Chappell being right about Ganguly's attitude, in the famous email. The fact that Chappell stooped to citing specific instances, just like a 10-year old would whistle-blow on his younger cousin, I find disturbing. In any, Chappell makes a point we can't afford to ignore.
Having said that, I do not grudge Ganguly the success he has brought, in terms of team unity and victories abroad between 2001 and 2004, In the past 5 years, Ganguly has single-handedly brought the Indian team to the brink of a World Cup and more importantly made us a fighting unit. We were no longer an also-ran under his regime. He has had the [(4/3)pie r-squared]'s to stand up to the Aussies, wave his shirt around
It is quite evident now that Chappel is a liar, its his good fortune that he is still India's coach and not taking a flight back to australia. Lets take each of the alegation one by one. 1) If Ganguly is responsible for playing divide and rule then how came majority of the team members have come strongly in favor of him ( Harbhajan infact came openly - such is the passion). 2) Ganguly does not follow practice regime. Infact past coaches and many cricketers have said that Ganguly always is first to lead the team from the front to the pratice session. 3) Ganguly does not have mental state to play and lead - Actually Chappel wants a pupet Captain and ganguly does not fancy with his whims so chappel tried to play mentally with Ganguly. But with Ganguly's reply, it should be clear to Chappel that he cannot force his whims and fancies on Ganguly. 4) Chappel sleeps during India matches - now what does chappel has to say to that ?
I am sure even ganguly's parents and wife wont support him. I remember,ganguly once told that he wants to become coach in future.Oh...ganguly...what a joke...you wont respect coach,fans,india...but eager to become coach....please quit from the indian team and better do your family business.
The meeting seems to be a mere eyewash by the people who were scared to press the RED Button as they were the very people who had selected Chappel not very long ago.
How else can they explain the continuation of a person as the National coach who borught forward all kinds of lies and blatant accusations against a player who has served the nation so remarkably and backed so many young talent to the hilt .
I have no such compulsions and would resgister my protest at the continuation of Chappel as the Coach of Indian Team .
If Chappell feels that Ganguly is unfit he should suggest another fit person as a captain over a period of time. He has stopped just saying that Ganguly is unfit. This shows very clearly that he has personnel problems with Ganguly. If Ganguly is unfit how can he make 15,000 international runs. No one can be consistant for ever. Chappell should move the things smoothly.
