The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Harbhajan stands by his captain

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 26, 2005

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Sport - Cricket

Harbhajan stands by his captain

Special Correspondent

Says coach Greg Chappell is at fault

NEW DELHI: Harbhajan Singh on Sunday stood up for some of his team-mates in the ongoing Sourav Ganguly-Greg Chappell controversy by terming the coach's approach unprofessional and not in the interest of the team.

Speaking to The Hindu from Mumbai, the off-spinner accused the Australian of creating a rift among the players. "Most of the players are scared of speaking their mind to the coach because they are not sure of how the coach would react. It has been a difficult period for all of us really," said Harbhajan.

On the spat between Ganguly and Chappell, the off-spinner remarked, "there is no truth that the captain has created rift between the players to protect his job. He has always been fair to each individual and I would give lot of credit to Sourav for building a strong team. There is no truth in saying that the team is divided. It is just a passing phase and we would get over it."

Underperforming

He disclosed how Chappell had attempted to spoil his relationship with Rahul Dravid with a shocking remark. "He (Chappell) told some people that I had underperformed under Rahul's captaincy in Sri Lanka. I have still not overcome the trauma of that remark because it amounts to working against the interest of the team. How can anyone make such a remark," asked the off-spinner. Harbhajan was given to understand that even Dravid was upset.

Harbhajan lost no time and spoke to Dravid on this matter. "I have great respect for Rahul. He has guided me on many occasions and has stood by me during my difficult times. My loyalty to Indian cricket does not depend on who is leading the team.

"I told Rahul that there was no truth in what Chappell was saying. If you think I have underperformed I am prepared to give up cricket," was Harbhajan's plea to Dravid. According to Harbhajan, he was relieved when Dravid assured him. "He (Dravid) told me there was no reason for him to doubt my integrity." Dravid, according to Harbhajan, also added, "If you believe I would have doubted you, I am prepared to give up cricket."

Storm brewing

Harbhajan indicated that there was a storm brewing within the team with each player waiting to speak on the subject. "We all will have a lot to say to the Board on him (Chappell). I have spoken because I have been under stress from the time the coach accused me of underperforming. There are many in the team who have been accused of poor attitude. They have suffered loss of confidence because of the coach's attitude and the double standards he has adopted from the time he took over. It would not be wrong to say that the entire team has developed a sense of insecurity under this coach," Harbhajan pointed out.

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