NEW DELHI, Sept 18: The Indian cricket board will investigate the reported rift between Saurav Ganguly and Greg Chappell after the tour of Zimbabwe, president Ranbir Mahendra said on Sunday. “Whatever has appeared in the press, that is there,” Mahendra said, referring to media reports suggesting a falling out between coach and captain.

Ganguly, under pressure to retain his place after a prolonged batting slump, has told reporters he was asked to step down before the first test at Bulawayo.

“It’s true, I was asked to step down but that’s all I have to say at this stage,” Ganguly said on Thursday after scoring 101, his first Test hundred since late 2003.

He did not directly name Australian Chappell, who said he had only discussed the team composition and certain other issues after India wrapped up an innings victory inside four days.

Ganguly has notched up an Indian record 49 Tests as captain but has been slammed in the media for making dressing room discussions public.

Many former India players have backed Chappell and said Ganguly’s comments could undermine team unity, already battered by morale-sapping defeats in one-day tri-series finals in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Mahendra said the board would wait until the team returned after the second Test, starting in Harare on Tuesday.

“There is no question of any crisis,” he said. “The second Test is starting on Tuesday and once the tour ends, whatever report we get (from the team management), the board will discuss and take remedial action.

“We’re all definitely for discipline. I don’t want to say if this has affected unity within the team.

“There will be a thorough review of the recent performances after this tour is over.”

Ganguly is already facing serious questions about his playing future due to poor batting and fitness.

Chappell, who took over in July, has been trying various combinations after being appointed to revive a jaded side ahead of the 2007 World Cup.

Indian media has predicted Ganguly or Chappell could lose their job.—Reuters