Kapil's exit, Gaekwad's reappointment welcomed

Even as Kapil Dev's decision to step down from the hot seat of Indian cricket is slowly sinking into our minds, reports from various quarters seem to indicate that a majority of former Indian cricketers and administrators seem to welcome this move. All in all, Kapil's decision to tender his resignation has been termed `appropriate'. Interestingly enough, Anshuman Geakwad's recall to the post has evoked the same kind of response.

Former Indian wicketkeeper Naren Tamhane felt that Kapil Dev's decision to quit was right. He said that with so much being written on his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal, one could not expect him to do full justice as coach of the national side. Tamhane felt that Kapil Dev must have been under tremendous tension due to the recent events and said that he should not try and involve himself in the game until he cleared his name from the controversy.

On the other hand, former Indian captain, GS Ramchand wished Kapil Dev had resigned as soon as the controversy broke out. He however welcomed the decision stating that Kapil would not be in a good position to concentrate on the job at hand. Ramchand was of the view that Kapil should have asked the BCCI not to consider his name for the post even before the Asia Cup in Dhaka and expressed surprise as to why Kapil had not done so. He added that the subsequent reports in the media could have added more pressure on him, prompting the resignation. In the ultimate analysis, Ramchand said that it proved to be the correct decision.

Former Indian player Ashok Mankad felt that it was but natural for Kapil to have quit since the general public were suspicious of his involvement in match fixing and felt that Kapil should sever ties with the game till he clears his name. Mankad added that Kapil must have contemplated that he may not command the respect from Indian cricketers which must have forced him to make such a decision.

Kapil's coach and Dronacharya award winner Desh Prem Azad said that any self respecting man would done the same in the wake of such humiliation. Azad felt it rather sad that after serving the game for so many years, Kapil Dev had to undergo such humiliation in the past few months. He opined that Kapil should have resigned much earlier.

The former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Inderjit Singh Bindra, who, in a way had kicked off the whole episode involving Kapil Dev, reserved his comments saying that this was no issue to comment upon. Likewise, another former president of the BCCI Raj Singh Dungarpur also refused to comment on Kapil's resignation. While former Indian cricketer Madhav Mantri felt it was a right decision, former Indian captain Polly Umrigar did not comment on the issue.

Meanwhile Gaekwad's appointment as a replacement for Kapil Dev has received unanimous support from all quarters. Ramchand saw enough experience in Gaekwad which would help mould players physically and mentally. Tamhane echoed Ramchand's comments and added that the former Indian opening batsman was a good choice as replacement.

Mankad said that he personally felt that Gaekwad, who had already put in a long innings as the National team's coach, would be the right replacement. While hailing Gaekwad's appointment as an outstanding choice, Umrigar said that he has always been impressed with Gaekwad's thinking and analysis of the game.

Raj Singh saw in Gaekwad a very successful coach primarily due to his previous tenure and felt that he had actively participated in forming a good Indian team in the past. He said that the choice was but logical since Gaekwad knew the boys very well as he was involved with them for a long time as the coach.