Mumbai: There is an interesting tale of events that’s attracting many eyeballs to the scene. It’s called the Shastri-Ganguly war of words.
Ever since Anil Kumble was anointed as head coach of the Indian cricket team for the next one year, Ravi Shastri has been a miffed man, as many assume that the former Team Director thought the post was his for the taking. True that before Kumble appeared on the scene, Shastri was ruling the roost of the 21 candidates.
Read: Ravi Shastri resigns from ICC post
However, after Kumble returned to the Indian dressing room as coach, Shastri, who was reportedly denied the Team India coach position due to Sourav Ganguly, openly spoke about the Cricket Association of Bengal President’s absence during the interview when the former spoke to the Cricket Advisory Committee while holidaying in Bangkok.
"I am just disappointed. Nothing surprises me in cricket. It's nothing to do with Sourav, but I am disappointed because that person was disrespectful of the candidate who was going to be interviewed and disrespectful of the job he was entrusted to do,” Shastri had said.
Also Read: Respect your job: Ravi Shastri to Sourav Ganguly
Shastri’s comments ticked the Prince of Bengal and according to the latter, his actions were unexpected. Ganguly gave a fitting reply to Shastri.
“I just feel his (Shastri) comments are very personal. It angers me that he gave a suggestion that I should be available for such meetings. I have been a part of BCCI meetings for some time and I have always been available.”
“If Ravi thinks because of me that he is not the coach of Team India, then he is living in a fool's world. Ravi has made a personal attack which was not expected and is very saddening," Ganguly said, also adding that he could not be present for the interview due to prior commitments.
Also Read: Shastri, Ganguly must respect BCCI decision: Rajeev Shukla
The war of words triggered a massive debate between former cricketers, who had contradictory views. While Sanjay Manjrekar, Gautam Gambhir were against Shastri, Bishan Singh Bedi used the dispute to punch his favourite whipping boy, Ganguly.
Shastri hits back
Shastri, who is back in Mumbai, clarified that he was informed about his interview date very late.
I got communication from the BCCI on the 19th (June) that the interview is on the 21st. 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,” Shastri was quoted as saying according to a report in ET Panache.
Shastri also pointed out that BCCI had given him the option to get interviewed over Skype although he did agree that a candidate should be physically present.
Also Read: Ravi Shastri is living in a fool’s world, says Sourav Ganguly
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,” he said.
Back to Mumbai Shastri has moved on from the episode and has considered it a thing of the past but his disappointment with Ganguly looks to be a lasting one.
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.
