The Hindu : Malhotra likely to be India coach; Ganguly may opt out

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 07, 2003

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Sport - Cricket

Malhotra likely to be India coach; Ganguly may opt out

By Our Special Correspondent

KOLKATA APRIL 6. Former Test cricketer and present India `A' coach Ashok Malhotra is likely to accompany the Indian team to Dhaka to participate in the three-nation tournament beginning at the Bangabandhu National Stadium from April 11.

According to sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) here on Sunday the president of the Board, Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, had an informal talk with Malhotra on Saturday and hinted of such a possibility. Malhotra, if given an opportunity, would be willing to accept the challenge. This was necessitated because of non-availability of present Indian coach John Wright of New Zealand, whose father expired and had to stay back at home.

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, named to captain the team in the tri-Nation tournament, is unlikely to take up the assignment owing to recurring back trouble. As of now Ganguly, presently in New Delhi, was yet to give a letter to the Board stating his position but could do so on Monday when the World Cup team would get together along with office-bearers of the BCCI on the invitation of the President of India.

In the event of Ganguly opting out of the tournament, Virender Sehwag, named deputy to Ganguly, would, in all possibility, take over the mantle and the National selectors asked to name a replacement for Ganguly and name a vice-captain as well. Mr. Dalmiya leaves for Delhi tomorrow morning.

Malhotra, who completed a full term as the National selector from East Zone and was replaced by Pranab Roy, would be an ideal choice for the post. Most of the youngsters now in the Indian team were spotted during his tenure. He had interacted with them for considerable time and some even played under him during the recently-concluded India A's tour of the West Indies where the side finished fifth in the Cari Beer tournament.

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