The Hindu : Sport : Ganguly issue: Greg Chappell's attempt to clear the air

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Tuesday, Sep 20, 2005

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Ganguly issue: Greg Chappell's attempt to clear the air

S. Ram Mahesh

ON CUE: Team India coach Greg Chappell and captain Sourav Ganguly relax with a game of pool on the eve of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Harare on Monday. Chappell issued a press statement that said his relationship with Ganguly was "strong enough to survive what has occurred in the past week." — Photo: V.V. Krishnan

HARARE: Indian coach Greg Chappell sought to clear up the controversy surrounding skipper Sourav Ganguly being asked to step down, by issuing a statement on Monday that said his relationship with Ganguly was "strong enough to survive what has occurred in the past week".

The statement said a private discussion had unfortunately become public and even what was written about it didn't represent it "fairly".

The Indian coach read out the signed hand-written statement to newsmen at the Harare Sports Club. In it, Chappell said it was "disappointing that what was private discussion between the captain and myself has become a cause for public speculation".

The Australian also said it was a "frank discussion about Indian cricket — past and future" and it was "aimed at motivating Sourav for the Bulawayo Test match" in which regard it was "beneficial".

"Even more disappointing is that much of what has been written does not represent the discussion fairly," said the 57-year-old. "Sourav and I share a strong and mutual respect for each other going back a long time. I have great regard for what Sourav has achieved in his playing and captaincy career and look forward to working with him in the future".

The statement, however, didn't confirm whether Chappell had asked Ganguly to step down.

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