Posted:
Question marks over Chappell and Dravid's future
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: India's defeat in the World Cup has put question marks over the continuance of Australian Greg Chappell as the coach and Rahul Dravid as the team's captain.
A testy Greg Chappell refused to answer questions about his future with the Indian team at a press conference after India lost to Sri Lanka by 69 runs, but sources in the Indian cricket establishment indicated that his contract, which ends with the World Cup, was unlikely to be renewed.
As for Dravid, he himself pointed out that his appointment as captain was only till the World Cup and that he has ceased to be the skipper.
The cricket board has already promised to take "drastic measures" and will convene a special meeting to discuss the team's dismal performance in the World Cup. The coach's position and captaincy of the team is likely to figure in the meeting.
"We are going to meet after getting a report from the team manager and would give a serious thought to future course of action. Our future approach will be to concentrate for the 2011 World Cup," BCCI chief Sharad Pawar said.
"The contract with the coach was up to the World Cup and now the World Cup is over. The board has to take a fresh look on the matter," he said.
Former captain Sunil Gavskar, who was part of the BCCI-appointed panel which picked Chappell for the coach's job in May 2005, said he had no doubt that the World Cup disaster would be followed by a review of coach's performance.
"I think there is a big question mark on Greg's future. He was brought in with the specific aim of taking India to the top two teams in the World Cup and that has not happened. His position would be debated", the batting legend said.
Chappell fended off questions about his future after India's 69-run defeat against Sri Lanka, refusing to speculate on the road ahead.
"I'm not answerable to you (media). I would face my employers, the BCCI, and discuss the issue with them" - was his terse reply to the query if he would accept an extension.
Since Chappell took over from his predecessor John Wright, India has won 32 of the 62 ODIs and seven of the 18 Test matches.
Dravid, on his part, said "I was appointed captain till the World Cup. So I am not the captain even at this point of time. So it's not my decision to make."
He also found support from Gavaskar who was of the view that Dravid should continue as the captain despite the World Cup debacle.
"Rahul is 34 and you do not sack captains at 34 when they are peaking. I don't see any reason for a change because Dravid has not shown any sign of pressure. His batting has not faltered", he said.
A testy Greg Chappell refused to answer questions about his future with the Indian team at a press conference after India lost to Sri Lanka by 69 runs, but sources in the Indian cricket establishment indicated that his contract, which ends with the World Cup, was unlikely to be renewed.
As for Dravid, he himself pointed out that his appointment as captain was only till the World Cup and that he has ceased to be the skipper.
The cricket board has already promised to take "drastic measures" and will convene a special meeting to discuss the team's dismal performance in the World Cup. The coach's position and captaincy of the team is likely to figure in the meeting.
"We are going to meet after getting a report from the team manager and would give a serious thought to future course of action. Our future approach will be to concentrate for the 2011 World Cup," BCCI chief Sharad Pawar said.
"The contract with the coach was up to the World Cup and now the World Cup is over. The board has to take a fresh look on the matter," he said.
Former captain Sunil Gavskar, who was part of the BCCI-appointed panel which picked Chappell for the coach's job in May 2005, said he had no doubt that the World Cup disaster would be followed by a review of coach's performance.
"I think there is a big question mark on Greg's future. He was brought in with the specific aim of taking India to the top two teams in the World Cup and that has not happened. His position would be debated", the batting legend said.
Chappell fended off questions about his future after India's 69-run defeat against Sri Lanka, refusing to speculate on the road ahead.
"I'm not answerable to you (media). I would face my employers, the BCCI, and discuss the issue with them" - was his terse reply to the query if he would accept an extension.
Since Chappell took over from his predecessor John Wright, India has won 32 of the 62 ODIs and seven of the 18 Test matches.
Dravid, on his part, said "I was appointed captain till the World Cup. So I am not the captain even at this point of time. So it's not my decision to make."
He also found support from Gavaskar who was of the view that Dravid should continue as the captain despite the World Cup debacle.
"Rahul is 34 and you do not sack captains at 34 when they are peaking. I don't see any reason for a change because Dravid has not shown any sign of pressure. His batting has not faltered", he said.
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