BULAWAYO (Zimbabwe), Sept 16: Saurav Ganguly, fresh from a century against Zimbabwe, said on Thursday he had been asked to step down as India’s captain. Ganguly made 101 as India took firm control of the first Test against Zimbabwe. India scored 554 for a first innings lead of 275 and then reduced the home side to 67 for six in their second innings.

“It’s true, I was asked to step down but that’s all I have to say at this stage,” Ganguly told reporters after the third day’s play in Bulawayo.

When asked who had requested his resignation, Ganguly said: “Ask the coach. He will give you the answer.” India coach Greg Chappell then said: “Saurav and I discussed the balance of the team and there were a number of issues but that’s all I want to say at this stage.”

When asked directly whether Chappell had sought his departure as captain, Ganguly replied: “You know what has been happening in Indian cricket.

“Other people are making the decisions, my silence says everything so I’ll stick to it.”

The 33-year-old Ganguly was retained as captain despite a debate in the Indian media in the months leading up to the tour of Zimbabwe, the start of a busy season, in which there were calls for his replacement by long-term deputy Rahul Dravid.

Ganguly, whose 19 test victories as captain are an Indian record, had suffered from poor batting form in the last two seasons.—Reuters