Kapil should make a graceful exit

The Board of Control for Cricket in India seems to have found a solution to solve the problem of the tainted players. But it is still dragging its feet over the coach. The selectors claim there was no interference from the board on the selection process. But the inference is clear that their decision has been influenced not only by the BCCI, but also the Government - and the public. If confirmation was needed, one has only to go through the statements made by Sports Minister SS Dhindsa and his deputy Shahnawaz Hussain, praising the BCCI.

Clearly, the way the wind is blowing, the odds are against Kapil Dev staying in the post for the remaining year of his two year term. The general argument is that if tainted and raided players are not to be considered, the same yardstick should be applied to the coach who is also allegedly in the same boat.

Dhindsa, while patting the board on dropping the tainted players, also said that if Kapil Dev was in any way involved in the scandal, he should stay away from the game. Dhindsa said "I have always suggested to the BCCI to drop him (Kapil) temporarily while the inquiry is on."

For his part, Hussain, in a TV interview on Sunday, made a forthright statement that the board should take an early stand on Kapil. "The government has told the BCCI that those players incriminated in the match fixing case will not be in the proper mental state of mind to play. That is why we had said that as long as the inquiry is on, these cricketers should not be allowed to play. Therefore I agree with the decision taken by the BCCI. I have full faith that the BCCI, which has taken a wise stand on the issue, will also take a quick stand on Kapil Dev," Hussain said.

Speaking after the selection of the probables, BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele said "The board president has been authorised to take a decision. Mr Muthiah will make an announcement shortly." Chairman of the selection committee Chandu Borde was of the view that the players who have been dropped are not in the right frame of mind. By the same yardstick, will not the coach also be affected?

Only the other day, the Indian coach, expressing his anguish at recent developments, had said he would have nothing to do with the game once his present term as coach was over. The result of the outcome of the meeting that the board president had with the former Indian captain is not known yet. But a decision, either way, will have to be taken quickly for the camp begins in Chennai on September 13.

Will the board diplomatically ask Kapil to quit? Or will he himself make a graceful exit rather than having to bear the humiliation of being sacked? TV talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey has said: ``My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." Perhaps the time has come for Kapil to heed these wise words and act accordingly for the next phase of his life by calling it quits. As a player, Kapil stayed on a bit too long and suffered the humiliation of being dropped. Will he make the same mistake again?