Chauhan reacts sharply to drug allegations

Indian team manager Chetan Chauhan on Tuesday reacted sharply to a news magazine article that some Indian cricketers had used steroids and cortisones to enhance their performance.

"I can state categorically these players do not take drugs of any performance-enhancing type," said Chauhan. "They may take boosts like energiser and other things but these were taken even in my time," said Chauhan who represented India in 40 Tests from 1969 to 1981.

"The team has been upset by the allegations which we deny completely," he told a television network.

Chauhan, who intends to issue a detailed statement on Wednesday, said the allegations were made by "somebody in some publication" and don't reflect a widespread charge against the members of the Indian team.

The cover story of the latest issue of 'Outlook' alleged that some players, including Rahul Dravid, Javagal Srinath and Ajit Agarkar have resorted to drug-taking in the past.

The Indian team deliberated on the issue on Tuesday morning before entrusting to Chauhan the job of clearing the position.

"We came to know about it last night," said Chauhan. "Cricketers who have done so well and enjoy a clean reputation, men like Dravid, were very upset," Chauhan said.

Dravid himself refused to be drawn into the controversy, saying he had come to know bits and pieces of the article and added it was best for the manager to clear the air.

Reacting to the allegation, Agarkar expressed surprise and added "Me on drugs, no way!"

Earlier, former Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad had denied the story and said he would take legal action against the magazine.

"The interview I gave to the magazine was twisted and I have been quoted out of context to justify the story," Gaekwad said from Baroda on the phone.

Meanwhile, 'Outlook' issued a statement from New Delhi expressing dismay over Gaekwad's reaction that the magazine had falsely interpreted his interview. "We stand by the interview," the statement said.