Kapil, Gavaskar lash out against Indian cricketers

New Delhi, March 24, 2007
Former India great Kapil Dev lashed out at Rahul Dravid's under-performing team on Saturday, saying they did not deserve to progress in the World Cup.
Another great Sunil Gavaskar hinted coach Greg Chappell's future was on the line after India were virtually knocked out of the World Cup following the 69-run defeat against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Only an unlikelyvictory by first-timers Bermuda over Bangladesh on Sunday will ensure India's back-door entry into the Super Eights, a prospect Dev did not welcome.
"It is shameful that we have to rely on Bermuda to stay in the tournament," the 1983 World Cup winning captain said on Aaj Tak television. "I hope that does not happen because Bangladesh deserve to go into the second round since they had also defeated India.
"All credit to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India were pathetic and not good enough to remain in the tournament."
Gavaskar, speaking on ESPN, said he doubted if former Australian captain Chappell's contract as India coach will be renewed after the World Cup. "I think there is a big question markon Greg's future," said Gavaskar, who was on the panel which appointed Chappell for a two-year term in 2005.
"He was brought in with the specific aim of taking India to the top two teams in the world and that has not happened. His position will be debated."
Gavaskar urged the Indian cricket board to act quickly since India are due to tour Bangladesh for two Test matches and three one-day internationals in May. Gavaskar, however, hoped that Dravid would remain captain despite the World Cup debacle.
"Rahul is 34 and you do not sack captains at 34 when they are peaking," he said.
"I don't see any reason for a change because Dravid has not shown any sign of pressure. His batting has not faltered."
Disappointed Indian fans did not react violently as they had done last week after the defeat by Bangladesh when miscreants attack wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni's unfinished house in the eastern town of Ranchi.
"Of course I am disgusted by the way the team played, the whole lot should be sacked," said Delhi student Shaumik Bose. "But damaging homes is no way to go about it."
Dev blamed lack of commitment by the senior players for the defeat, while Gavaskar said the team did not have the temperament to deal with crunch situations.
"To raise the game when it matters most requires discipline and temperament and theplayers did not show it," said Gavaskar.
"This is nothing new. Indian cricketers have lacked these qualities since a long time, ever since I began playing in the early 1970s'."