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| March 25, 2007 | Sunday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 5, 1428 |
Pathetic India deserve exit: Kapil Dev
NEW DELHI, March 24: Former great Kapil Dev lashed out at Rahul Dravid's under-performing team, saying they did not deserve to progress in the World Cup.
Another great Sunil Gavaskar hinted coach Greg Chappell's future was on the line.
Only an unlikely victory by first-timers Bermuda over Bangladesh on Sunday will ensure India's back-door entry into the Super Eights, a prospect Dev did not welcome.
“It is shameful that we have to rely on Bermuda to stay in the tournament,” the 1983 World Cup winning captain said on Aaj Tak television on Saturday.
“I hope that does not happen because Bangladesh deserve to go into the second round since they had also defeated India.
“All credit to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India were pathetic and not good enough to remain in the tournament.”
Gavaskar, speaking on ESPN, said he doubted if former Australian captain Chappell's contract as India coach will be renewed after the World Cup.
“I think there is a big question mark on Greg's future,” said Gavaskar, who was on the panel which appointed Chappell for a two-year term in 2005.
“He was brought in with the specific aim of taking India to the top two teams in the world and that has not happened. His position will be debated.”
Gavaskar urged the Indian cricket board to act quickly since India are due to tour Bangladesh for two Tests and three One-day Internationals in May.
Gavaskar, however, hoped that Dravid would remain captain despite the World Cup debacle.
“Rahul is 34 and you do not sack captains at 34 when they are peaking,” he said.
“I don't see any reason for a change because Dravid has not shown any sign of pressure. His batting has not faltered.”
Kapil lamed lack of commitment by the senior players for the defeat, while Gavaskar said the team did not have the temperament to deal with crunch situations.
“To raise the game when it matters most requires discipline and temperament and the players did not show it,” said Gavaskar.
“This is nothing new. Indian cricketers have lacked these qualities since a long time, ever since I began playing in the early 1970s'.”—AFP
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