|
|
Rahul Dravid resigns as Team India captain
September 14, 2007 13:14 IST
Last Updated: September 14, 2007 14:05 IST
In a surprise development, Rahul Dravid on Friday expressed his
desire to step down as the captain of the Indian cricket team.
Dravid met BCCI Chief Sharad Pawar in New Delhi on
Thursday and expressed his desire to relinquish the post.
"Rahul Dravid met Sharad Pawar at Delhi on September 13 and
expressed his desire to step down as the captain of the Indian team
and requested that he should not be considered for the job from the
ensuing Australia series," a BCCI press release issued today said.
Dravid has assured that he would extend his full co-operation to his
successor and contribute as a batsman and a senior player."Rahul
wanted to concentrate on his game", the release said.
Predict & Win: Can India beat Pakistan?
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said the Board will consider his
request and look for a successor."He has expressed his desire to
quit and has written a letter to the Board president in this regard.
The Board will definitely consider his request", Shukla said."He has
been requesting for the past couple of days. He was feeling burdened
as a player and captain. The BCCI will now consider the options," he
said.
Sreesanth video cheers for India
Shukla said Dravid did not give any indication during the tour of
England that he wanted to step down. "I think the
reasons are personal. He must have pondered over it."In case BCCI
accepts Dravid's resignation, a new captain has to be appointed
within the next two weeks before Australia's tour of India gets
underway from September 29.Team India cricketer Rahul Dravid has
offered to step down as captain of the Indian cricket team.
"I have nothing to say as of now," Dravid told the news channel
Times Now .
According to reports, Dravid met BCCI President Sharad Pawar on
September13 and expressed his desire to step down as captain. Dravid
also said that he needn't be captain for the upcoming Australia
series.
BCCI’s Prof. Ratnakar Shetty confirmed Dravid’s offer to resign as
skipper of Team India. Shetty told Times Now , “I can say that it
did come as a surprise. He will play Australia Test and ODI series”
“It’s for selectors to pick Dravid’s successors,” added Shetty.
Nevertheless, Dravid told BCCI that he will always be available as
batsman for Team India.
Dravid’s resignation has come as a surprise to the cricket
fraternity. Sourav Ganguly expressed shock on his resignation. Team
India manager Chandu Borde also said that there was no prior
indication of Dravid’s resignation. Former Indian cricketer Bishen
Singh Bedi too expressed shock to Dravid’s resignation.
Bedi said, “I hope this is not a desperate move to get out of
responsibility.”
“I hope Dravid has considered the pros and cons before resigning,”
he added.
The BCCI will make the big decision to decide on Dravid’s successor
on September 18. Rajiv Shukla, BCCI vice-president, said there are
quite a few options available. Shukla said the board respects
Dravid’s decision. Although Dravid had offered to step down after
the 2007 World Cup, his batting came under scrutiny during the
recently concluded England tour. |
Christmas Gifts
Take Surveys - Earn Prizes!
Singles Chat
Free Game Downloads at PermissionResearch!
New on eMusic
Your photo as an XXL poster!
Listen to the New York Times for FREE
Sell Your Books For Cash!
Hotel Chocolat
Complete online surveys @ surveyteam.com & receive cash reward upto $80!
|
