Javagal Srinath, a former Indian cricketer, has revealed he would have considered banning Sourav Ganguly following a delay in the coin toss during the 2001 Eden Gardens Test match against Australia. While acknowledging Ganguly’s strong leadership and talent development skills, Srinath highlighted the need for strict discipline amidst efforts to restore Indian cricket's reputation after a match-fixing scandal.
The incident occurred during the pivotal 2001 Kolkata Test. Srinath explained that he felt Ganguly’s delay was unacceptable and warranted severe punishment, stating, “I would have banned Sourav Ganguly.” This strong stance reflects the heightened sensitivity surrounding conduct in Indian cricket following a period of significant turmoil.
The late 1990s saw Indian cricket rocked by match-fixing allegations. Following this scandal, there was a collective drive among players to rebuild trust and rehabilitate the sport’s image. Srinath emphasized that all involved were deeply committed to this goal, suggesting that even a seemingly minor infraction like delaying the toss needed to be addressed firmly.
Despite his willingness to impose a ban in this instance, Srinath also praised Ganguly's contributions as a leader. He acknowledged Ganguly’s ability to identify and nurture new talent within the Indian cricket team, recognizing his positive impact on the sport beyond the controversial incident.
We don't rate truth. We strip the spin and show you which perspectives covered the story. You decide.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy