Chappell accepts partial blame for World Cup debacle

In a statement issued to the media on Friday, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Niranjan Shah said that Coach Greg Chappell has partially accepted responsibility for the national cricket team's debacle in this year's World Cup.

Shah said that Chappell had made a detailed presentation on his experiences with the Indian team over the last 22 months.

"As the coach, he too felt that he was partly responsible for the poor performance. He emphasized the need to promote youngsters and concentrate on fitness and strength for the team to do well in fielding and running between the wickets," Shah said.

He also said that the BCCI President Sharad Pawar complimented Chappell on his role as the coach of the Indian team and his professional approach.

Pawar was of the opinion that Chappell could be associated with Indian cricket and help in the implementation of a long-term plan although he was no more the coach, Shah said.

In his report, Chappell confined himself to issues and did not make reference to individual players, Shah said.

Team manager Sanjay Jagdale in his report explained the performance of the team in the tournament and was of the opinion that the entire team, particularly the batsmen, failed in the matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

"He too was of the opinion that the youngsters should be inducted to improve our cricket," Shah said.

Captain Rahul Dravid told the Committee that the team left for the World Cup with high hopes, but failed to do well. He accepted responsibility of behalf of the team for the poor performance which led to the early exit from the World Cup.

Dravid offered suggestions for the improvement of Indian cricket, Shah said.

Chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar felt that the team did not perform to potential. He was of the opinion that the BCCI should strengthen domestic cricket and create a pool of 25-30 cricketers from which the Indian team could be selected.

The crucial two-day conclave of the Cricket Board commenced in Mumbai earlier in the day to chalk out the future course for Indian cricket which is at the crossroads following the World Cup debacle and coach Greg Chappell's resignation.

The endeavour began with the fact-finding meeting involving the outgoing coach, captain Rahul Dravid, manager Sanjay Jagdale and selection panel chief Dilip Vengsarkar who are closeted in a Cup review sitting with the BCCI's office bearers headed by president Sharad Pawar. (ANI)

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