The cricket fraternity isn't oblivious to the Mithali-Ramesh controversy in Indian women's cricket, as everyone seems to be weighing in with their opinions.
Backing Ramesh Powar in the ongoing controversy, former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal has asked Mithali Raj to concentrate on her game instead of mud-slinging.
The cricket fraternity isn't oblivious to the Mithali-Ramesh controversy in Indian women's cricket, as everyone seems to be weighing in with their opinions.
In support of the former Indian spinner, Madan too joined the bandwagon, went against the tide of criticisms aimed at Ramesh.
Also read— Women's World T20 selection row: Mithali Raj says coach Ramesh Powar humiliated her
The controversy erupted after Mithali was dropped for the World T20 semi-final against England, which India lost.
After the team returned home, accusations flew thick and fast with both coach Ramesh and Mithali giving their versions.
Ramesh's contract as a coach ended on Friday and BCCI has invited fresh applications. Ramesh is unlikely to apply.
"If coaches are being removed, it would be better to keep a dummy, who listens and acts only according to the players. A coach is a part of the team who is majorly involved in taking decisions which should be abided by the team. The coach (Ramesh Powar) also wanted to win and the captain (Harmanpreet Kaur) was also part of it (decision-making). Why was Powar alone targeted? The selectors are also part of the decision. It was unnecessary to remove Powar. Like this, the game won't move ahead," Madan told ANI.
Not very pleased with the allegations put forth by Mithali, Madan cited the example of men’s cricket to explain his stand.
"If tomorrow (coach) Ravi Shastri makes someone to sit out, will you be removing him as well? Things don't work like this. They (coaches) too are under pressure. Performances are being kept in mind and you don't make someone sit out randomly. I believe in performance, so the board should analyse," he added.
On Mithali’s allegations against Ramesh, Madan said, "No one is greater than the game. Was there any guarantee that the Indian team would have reached the finals had Mithali Raj been playing in the XI. This is a team game, not that of an individual's. I always believe that the captain and the coach have the supreme authority. They had taken the decision after looking at the condition."
Madan backed the coach and the captain Harmanpreet Kaur and asked the Indian cricket board to look into Ramesh’s tour report.
"Whatever the report they provide, the board will have to look into. I don't think there should be any controversy involved in the way they are coming out in the media. This way, you cannot build the team. You have to trust the coach and the captain. If they are not doing well, then the selectors can come in and thereby take the decision," he said.
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