New Delhi: A ‘disappointed’ Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday retaliated to Ravi Shastri’s barbs at him by saying that the former team director was living in a “fool’s world”.
Shastri lashed out at the former India skipper on Tuesday for skipping his interview for Team India head coach, and accused the former skipper of being ‘disrespectful’. Reacting to the attack as “personal”, Ganguly, one of the members of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) also comprising Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman and co-ordinator Sanjay Jagdale, said it was a collective decision of the committee to appoint legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble as the head coach.
“I am deeply saddened, disappointed. He should have shown a bit more maturity. These comments are very personal. If Shastri feels that I am responsible for him not being selected as the head coach, he is living in a fool’s world. It is disappointing because being in such committees for more than 10 years, he (Shastri) should be aware,” Ganguly said.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, who was advised by Shastri to be present at such important meetings, also said that such important interviews are not given on camera. Shastri was not physically present during the interview process as he was on a vacation in Bangkok.
“I also have an advice for Shastri, when the coach of India is selected, which is one of the high profile jobs, he should be in front of the committee giving his presentation and not sit in Bangkok on a holiday and make a presentation on camera. Specially when one of the greatest cricketers of India (Anil Kumble) sat for close to two hours for his presentation,” he said.
The 43-year-old also wished Kumble the very best for his new stint. “I wish him all the luck with the Indian team. He is one of the best in the world and has been a great cricketer,” the southpaw said.
