Earlier in his carrer, Sourav had been sidelined by ex Indian coach, Greg Chappell which led to a contraversy that still itches painfully in Saurav's mind. Ganguly made a tremendous comeback after being left out of the Indian side for over 12 months. Both Greg chappel and Sourav moved on and soon the contraversy faded into the past as Greg Chappel was removed as the Indian Coach. If that was not enough, Another Australian now in the form of John Buchanan has decided to sideline Ganguly of the responsibilities of a captian. Ganguly is the base player for the Kolkatta Knight Riders and by default was given the captincy role in Season one.
In a press conference by Kolkatta Knight Riders, Coach John Buchanan annouced to the media that come season 2 the captain's responsibilities will be shared between his other team mates . Some of the populist choices are Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum who will also be the decision makers on the field. He said there could be four or five captains through the tournament. Buchanan called this a formula that will help the side perform better this season. Buchanan also clarified that this as not because of any personal issue with Ganguly but in aid of the teams future.
A grim-looking Ganguly, sitting beside Buchanan at the press conference, refused to elaborate on the decision and simply said the concept was new and needed to be assessed as it went on. Asked if he was upset by it, Ganguly did not answer directly and Buchanan interjected: "Of course he will be upset. He is the Prince of Kolkata." Ganguly laughed and put his hands up and said "I am not upset". Pherhaps speaking more with his body language than words. A look of disappointment and disgrace was seen through out the press conference in every action of Saurav Ganguly.
Buchanan was at pains to explain that the multiple-captains theory was not prompted by a lack of confidence in Ganguly's leadership skills. "In fact it could actually be of benefit to someone like him because it could free him up for his batting, when he just needs to his batting or for his fielding when he just needs to do his fielding or when he needs to just do his bowling without the burden of the twenty-over format on his shoulders. At the same stage we might be asking him to make some key decisions for us. It has nothing to do with Sourav Ganguly whatsoever. It has everything to do with how I perceive the 20-over game and what the demands are running that game should be." Ganguly remained mum to making any comments on what Buchanan had to say not wanting to spark any controversy.
Ganguly said the plan was Buchanan's. "He is the coach of the team and he has got the right to make decisions. We'll see as it goes along. At the end of the day we all have to deliver." Off the record Ganguly to various Indian News Channels has said that he was disappointed and by not have one captain through out will only lead to de-motivating the players. It's a team's decision and we'll see how it goes said Ganguly. He felt disappointed with the way he learnt everything only from the media instead what should have been communication from the management.
Buchanan also informed the media that the concept was new and would not be well accepted by the Indian people or people across the world but if it works, we would have a positive change in approach to the game. "This is more like how Ric Charles worth runs the Australian women's hockey team. Everyone takes a leadership role." He added.
Personally, What he says might work. The T20 game is so fast that decisions have to be taken quickly, A late decision might cost the game. By having seperate batting, Fielding and Bowling captains the game will be a little more organized and plans will start working as they should. This will however work only when all captains work together without conflicting or contradicting others decision. Who do the local players look up to? A Chris Gayle or a Brendon mcCullum who will be only available for a short period given their commitments with the National side? Who do they go and discuss their problems with? A Ricky Ponting, with a communication gap? The only person who they can look up to is Saurav Ganguly. He may not be the fittest on the field but he is a inspiring captain, something that a team should always get. By making divisions of roles and responsibilities all Buchanan is going to get is a split team.
People of Kolkatta are already feeling disappointed on Ganguly's removal. Some even going on to say that they will from now on will never watch any Shah Rukh Khan (Team Owner and a bollywood star) movies. Buchanan will have to face criticisms if his formula fails. He is probably the next one to get the Indian flavor of hatred hitting the streets. He should be happy that this year the tournament is in SouthAfrica and not Kolkatta otherwise he would have been disappointed seeing a a hundred thousand people holding banners against him.
With Saurav Ganguly removed as a part-time captain, Shane Warne leading the Rajasthan Royals, Pietersen chosen over Dravid and Gilchrist over Laxman it's now safe to call this years IPL as the International Premier Leaugue.
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Kunal
PS: I won't be surprised to see 'Toss' specialist walk out for Kolkatta Knight Riders during the toss. Ganguly has been confirmed captain for the first 3 matches of KKR.
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