Srikkanth: Chappell’s divide & rule policy cost team dear
If Chappell had indeed used ‘friends’ in the media to get the news out before it could be discussed in the appropriate forum, then that does not talk highly of his methods
Sriram Veera
25-Feb-2013
If Chappell had indeed used ‘friends’ in the media to get the news out before it could be discussed in the appropriate forum, then that does not talk highly of his methods. Right from the moment he took over the reins of Indian cricket, he has resorted to a policy of divide and rule. It may have worked in the ouster of Sourav. Maybe, he is trying his hand again now. Another area where Chappell has been found wanting is in not understanding his role with Indian cricket. He is not a Messiah to clean the system. He is a paid professional whose job was to ensure the Indian team won matches. Sadly, that never happened.
Read the entire article by Kris Srikkanth at Deccan Chronicle.
The Pandora's box keeps throwing up more allegations and blame games. Sample this from Times of India. TOI reports that Sachin Tendulkar's deep anguish at his and other senior players' attitude being questioned by coach was shared by a number of senior players.
... If only Sourav (Ganguly) had heeded the warnings (about not hiring Chappell as coach) of several Australian players, including the highly-respected Steve Waugh, Indian cricket would have been saved of this 'tamasha'," he added with obvious bitterness at the nasty turn that Indian cricket has taken in the aftermath of the World Cup flop.
A respected Indian cricketer choked with emotion as he went on to recall Chappell's 'high-handedness.' "In life, we have our share of good and bad experiences but, to be honest, I have not come across anyone like him before. He has made life hell for all of us. It's definitely the worst experience of my cricketing career."
Meanwhile, The Hindu, reports that three former BCCI Presidents believe player-agent nexus regarding endorsements is ruining Indian cricket.
Elaborating on the typical modus operandi of an agent, the former official said, "he charges 30 per cent commission on total contract. He enrols a senior player, who has a say in selection and then ropes in other players (for advertisement) and shares his 30 per cent with the concerned senior player in exchange for the inclusion of the other players named by him (agent) in the team."'
Sriram Veera is a former staff writer at ESPNcricinfo