A disappointed Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday retaliated to Ravi Shastri's barbs at him by saying that the former team director was living in a fool's world.
Shastri lashed out at the former India skipper on Tuesday for skipping his interview for Team India head coach, and accused the former skipper of being disrespectful.
Reacting to the attack as personal, Ganguly, one of the members of the Cricket Advisory Committee also comprising Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman and coordinator Sanjay Jagdale, said it was a collective decision of the committee to appoint legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble as the head coach.
"I am deeply saddened, disappointed. He should have shown a bit more maturity. These comments are very personal," Ganguly told reporters.
"If Shastri feels that I am responsible for him not being selected as the head coach, he is living in a fool's world."
"It is disappointing because being in such committees for more than 10 years, he (Shastri) should be aware," he said.
The 43-year-old also said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was aware of his commitments with the Cricket Association of Bengal where he had to be present on the day to chair the working committee meeting as its president.
"The BCCI was aware of the CAB working committee meeting. As a president, I had to chair it. So, I left the meeting at 5 (p.m.)", he said.
Ganguly, who was advised by Shastri to be present at such important meetings, also said that such important interviews are not given on camera.
Shastri was not physically present during the interview process as he was on a vacation in Bangkok.
"I also have an advice for Shastri, when the coach of India is selected, which is one of the high-profile jobs, he should be in front of the committee giving his presentation and not sit in Bangkok on a holiday and make a presentation on camera. We can understand family commitments, understand emergencies, but not holidays on the beach," he remarked.
"Specially when one of the greatest cricketers of India (Anil Kumble) sat for close to two hours for his presentation," Ganguly said.
Ganguly stated thatit was the three-man panel which had decided against choosing Shastri and that he was not the sole decision maker.
"Ravi's interview was at 4.15. It was a three-man committee and I am not the sole decider."
The southpaw also wished Kumble the very best for his new stint.
"I wish him all the luck with the Indian team. He is one of the best in the world and has been a great cricketer," Ganguly said.
--IANS
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