Ganguly hits back at Shastri, says he is living in a fool's world

The raging feud between two former Indian captains turned uglier after Sourav Ganguly lashed out at Ravi Shastri saying the Mumbaikar was “living in a fool’s world” if he held him responsible for not getting the coveted India coach’s job.

After Anil Kumble was chosen for head coach’s post, Shastri said that, Ganguly, part of the three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), was not present during his interview which he found to be “disrespectful”.

Ganguly shot back at Shastri questioning the former India all-rounder’s “seriousness” while giving an interview while “holidaying in Bangkok”.

“I just feel his (Shastri) comments are very personal. If Ravi Shastri feels that Sourav Ganguly was responsible for him not being the India coach, he is living in a fool’s world,” an angry Ganguly told TV channels, here on Wednesday.

One of India’s most celebrated captains was even more terse while rebutting Shastri’s suggestion that next time, he should be “present” when an interview is being conducted. “It angers me that he gave a suggestion that I should be available for such meetings. I have been a part of BCCI meetings for some time and I have always been available. My advice to Ravi is that when the coach of India is selected and one of the most important jobs, he should be in front of the committee and not sit in Bangkok and give a presentation while being on a holiday,” Ganguly said.

Taking a dig at Shastri’s approach, Ganguly said that the former team director could have been present in person “especially when one of India’s greatest cricketers (Kumble) of all time spoke for two hours. I am hurt because of personal attacks.

“I read in a couple of newspapers and chose to ignore it. I am extremely saddened that he went on air to express his view. Specially someone who has been in every BCCI committee for the last 20 years. He has been in my position for selecting the coach 10 years back. He is aware of everything. I informed BCCI on June 19th and I have got official mails. I will circulate those mails once I get a clearance from BCCI,” Ganguly said.
Kumble, meanwhile, handled the issue with the deftness of a seasoned diplomat.

“I was the first one to call Ravi after I was chosen as head coach,” began Kumble when asked as to what did he make of the whole situation. “He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. It is not about Anil or Ravi, it is not about the head coach. It is about the players, it is about the team. And from my point of view, whether it is me or Ravi or any Indian, we all want the Indian team to do well. We all want the Indian team to perform at its best. We all believe that there is potential for the Indian team to be the best in all three formats. And If I'm part of the journey, that's all I have to say. He congratulated me. I told its a fantastic team, a young team that we have.

“It could be someone else tomorrow. I'm not permanent in this role. I have an opportunity to be part of the journey and if I can be part of the journey where we see Indian cricket rise to where we all want it to be, then I think it’s wonderful. I feel privileged, and (it’s) an honour again to be a part of the team.”