The rift continues between Ravi Shastri and Sourav Ganguly. File Pic[/caption]Interent Desk: Amidst all the rift between the two Indian cricket biggies, the issues that have cropped up due to the recent appointment of new head coach does not seem to die down so soon between Ravi Shastri and Sourav Ganguly. In the recent development on this matter, Ganguly said that Shastri should have been physically present for the interview of new head coach of India, rather than via Skype from Thailand. Retorting to this statement, Shastri said that he rightfully exercised a choice given to him by BCCI, and he had already left for Thailand when he received the call regarding interview from the cricket board.
“I got communication from the BCCI on the 19th (June) that the interview is on the 21st,” Shastri told ETPanache after reaching Mumbai. He also said, “I had left for Thailand on the 15th. No one knew at that time when the interview would be. And their mail categorically said that since it (the interview call) is at short notice I could make myself available on Skype at a particular time.”
When questioned, if ideally he should have been present for the interview in person, Shastri replied, “Ideally, yes. But I was out of the country and the BCCI did give me the option of Skype. Besides, Tom Moody and some other candidates did the interview on Skype. What’s the difference? In this day and age, half the world operates on video-conferencing.”
The applicants for the top job were interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman and the coordinator Sanjay Jagdale. There were rumors that were making the rounds that Ganguly recommended Kumble for the position of head coach, the man who eventually got the job. Apparently, this is believed to have created a major rift between Ganguly and Shastri.
The theory gained credibility with the verbal banter that were exchanged between Ganguly and Shastri in the last few days. Shastri divulged in his recent interviews to media persons that despite being a part of the Committee (CAC), Ganguly was not present during his interview. To this, a miffed Ganguly has reportedly clarified that he had to attend another meeting of CAB and informed BCCI about it beforehand.
Moreover, he added by saying that Shastri should have been present for the interview in person instead of going on a vacation. Shastri responded that Ganguly’s absence during the presentation disappointed. He said, “At least the people who are on the committee should be there (for the interview). One, as a respect to the guy being interviewed and two, to the job you’ve been given.”
Shastri added that he wishes Kumble good luck and said, “Ho gaya woh ho gaya. Khatam. I have wished Kumble. The team is in good hands. And I will always cherish the 18 months that I was the team director, especially the wins over England in England (ODIs), Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and whitewashing Australia in Australia (T20s). Nothing is permanent in life, you got to have a certain detachment from things and move on,”
Joking about Ganguly’s remarks made on his Thai vacation, Shastri conveniently chose to laugh it off and said, “I’ve been doing breathing routines for years. It is massive. It helped me in commentary as well.” As for his vacation, it continues in Mumbai. “Aaram, chilling boss. I’m on holiday,” he signed off.
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