Mohali, Mar 10 (UNI) Stripping Sourav Ganguly off captaincy and then axing him would not have snowballed into a huge row had the issue been handled properly, former cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi said here today.
Replying to a question whether Ganguly can stage a comeback into the Indian team, Pataudi, who is here along with his actress wife Sharmila Tagore on the invitation of Punjab Cricket Association, said ''This question should better be addressed to the selectors.'' On the controversy surrounding Ganguly's omission, 'Tiger' Pataudi said, '' The Ganguly issue was not handled properly. It should have been done in a better way.'' Talking about Team India coach Greg Chappell, he said, ''The coach and the captain should be give enough time to perform. Chappell knows Australia but not India. But he has now started understanding the Indian cricket.'' Praising the Team India captain, Pataudi was of the view that Rahul Dravid would make a better captain with experience.
''Rahul is doing well but with passage of time, he would mature more.'' He seemed worried with the lack of teeth in the Indian pace attack and said,''We need two or three more medium fast bowlers who can bowl at a speed of 90 miles per hour. Munaf Patel has made impressive beginning. But the pitches in India are not helpful for producing fast bowlers,'' he said.
He was, however, happy that India's record abroad has improved in recent past.
''Indian cricket was not taken seriously earlier. However, the world has now started realising that India can do well in foreign countries as well,'' said Pataudi.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that Ganguly, who had confirmed that he would be coming to Mohali to witness the second Test after the Deodhar Trophy match in Jaipur, has cancelled his programme.
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Replying to a question whether Ganguly can stage a comeback into the Indian team, Pataudi, who is here along with his actress wife Sharmila Tagore on the invitation of Punjab Cricket Association, said ''This question should better be addressed to the selectors.'' On the controversy surrounding Ganguly's omission, 'Tiger' Pataudi said, '' The Ganguly issue was not handled properly. It should have been done in a better way.'' Talking about Team India coach Greg Chappell, he said, ''The coach and the captain should be give enough time to perform. Chappell knows Australia but not India. But he has now started understanding the Indian cricket.'' Praising the Team India captain, Pataudi was of the view that Rahul Dravid would make a better captain with experience.
''Rahul is doing well but with passage of time, he would mature more.'' He seemed worried with the lack of teeth in the Indian pace attack and said,''We need two or three more medium fast bowlers who can bowl at a speed of 90 miles per hour. Munaf Patel has made impressive beginning. But the pitches in India are not helpful for producing fast bowlers,'' he said.
He was, however, happy that India's record abroad has improved in recent past.
''Indian cricket was not taken seriously earlier. However, the world has now started realising that India can do well in foreign countries as well,'' said Pataudi.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that Ganguly, who had confirmed that he would be coming to Mohali to witness the second Test after the Deodhar Trophy match in Jaipur, has cancelled his programme.
UNI XC DP AY PC1825
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