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'It Smacks Of Double Standards'

'Chappell himself had said the controversy is over and now everyone should concentrate on the game. I do not know what prompted Chappell to send an e-mail to the Board against the captain.'

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'It Smacks Of Double Standards'
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On Chappell's charge that Ganguly was not physically or mentally fit to be in theteam: It may be the coach's own observation but as far as I am concerned, Ganguly has been proved as an excellent captain, which is evident from his match winningrecord.

On the charge that Ganguly was interested only in captaincy and creating differences among teammembers: I have played for almost five years under the captaincy of Ganguly and never felt like that. In fact, he takes personal interest to boost each and every player during practice as well as during a match.Ganguly has rebuilt this team and whatever the team has achieved so far, credit goes to the captain.

On the coach:  [The coach's conduct] can create fear among players over asking any suggestion on his weakness from the coach, who may take it as a complaint against him to theBoard. 

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On the recent email controversy:  Not only me but no other player was aware of Chappell complaining against Sourav. We were all shocked to know about the issue after landing in India.After the controversy over Chappell's reported suggestion to Sourav to leave captaincy, everything seemed normal as Chappell himself had said the controversy is over and now everyone should concentrate on thegame. I do not know what prompted Chappell to send an e-mail to the Board against thecaptain.  It smacks of double standards. As far as I am concerned, as a senior member of the team, I will reveal the truth if the Board asks for thesame. I have lot to reveal about the Zimbabwe tour but I will do so only at the appropriate time and at an appropriatelevel.

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On Chappell's behaviour:  Chappell's remarks were an attempt to create a rift between me and Dravid for whom I have great regards. His (Chappell's) remarks have given me mental tension.It affected my performance in Zimbabwe tour as well. I could not concentrate on my game due to immense pressure that if I commit any mistake, the coach will definitely make it an issue againstme. I am unhappy and disturbed as I am the kind of person who would die rather than deliberately not play well as cricket is not just a game for me. It is likeworship.

On the players' attitude: The hype over the rumblings in the team isdisgusting but as far players are concerned, they are all united and looking forward to prove their mettle in the World Cup 2007.Whenever any controversy surrounds the team, the performance of team is adversely affected. It will be good for the team if the controversy is immediately resolved so that every player can concentrate on his game instead of getting mentaltension,

On differences with Kumble: Kumble is a very good friend of mine and I know him for the last eight years. There were attempts to create differences between us but we are both mature enough to understand all this.Kumble is a player who has always supported me as his younger brother and I have great regards for him. Where is the possibility of having any differences withhim?

On Wright versus Chappell: Anybody can judge it from the on-goingcontroversies!

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