Delhi team and the state association DDCA are quite (in)famous for the controversies that brew in the camp from time to time. From age fudging cases to Virender Sehwag leaving Delhi to dropping of someone like Rajat Bhatia from the team, there have been oodles of cases in past which is enough to tarnish the image of Delhi cricket.
In the previous season, though, all the limits were crossed when Gautam Gambhir had an altercation with the coach and former Delhi batsman, KP Bhaskar after the team could not qualify for the second round of Vijay Hazare Trophy.
(Read Here: Gautam Gambhir Banned For Four-First Class Games)
Gautam Gambhir blamed Bhaskar of playing with the careers of youngsters like Nitish Rana and Unmukt Chand whereas the coach was keen on his stand that the decision was taken as it was important to send a reminder to the players that performance is the only way to sustain a place in the team.
The altercation between the two went to such an extent that a separate inquiry committee was set up to look into the matter and Gambhir was handed a ban of four matches.
Later, though, the ban was suspended until 30, March 2019, should Gambhir accept the ban and ensure of no such incident in future.
(Read Here: Gambhir’s Four Match Ban Deferred By Justice Sen)
However, the damage was already done and this incident was enough to give Delhi cricket another jostle.
For the first time after the incident, the Delhi coach KP Bhaskar has opened up about the controversy. In a talk with The Indian Express, the coach said that the controversy should not have happened and also commented whether he will coach Delhi in the next season or not. Here are excerpts from the interview:
On altercation with Gambhir –
I have been asked to refrain from talking to the press on this issue. All I can say is that it was disappointing. such a thing should not have happened. He is around 20 years younger to me and I really wish him well. We are obviously not in touch… the last time that I met him was during the hearing.
On being as coach for next season –
My contract was only for a year. if they don’t want me, I will move elsewhere. Last year, when I was offered this role, I took it up knowing fully well that 12 months will be too short a duration to fully understand this team and its potential.
On any specific demand put from his side –
When I took over, the only thing that I asked for was a video analyst. All major teams have it, so I did not see any reason why they would not agree for one. Instead, they kept dilly-dallying. However, when the captain (Gambhir) requested for a masseur instead, they went ahead and appointed one. So the Delhi Ranji team has a masseur, but not a video analyst.
On axing of Nitish Rana and Unmukt Chand –
With time, some people felt they had become indispensable, and began to take their place for granted. How many runs has Unmukt scored in the last four seasons? Scoring two fifties from 16 innings is not something an opener should be proud of. So, the selectors and I decided to give him a break.