Mixed reaction on Borde appointment

The appointment of former captain Chandu Borde as the team manager for the tours of Ireland and England has evoked mixed reactions in the cricketing circles.

The appointment of former captain Chandu Borde as the team manager for the tours of Ireland and England has evoked mixed reactions in the cricketing circles. While some feel that the 72-year old will have to bridge a huge generation gap to be able to communicate with the players, others argue 8220;his experience both as former cricketer and former chairman of selectors will come handy to bail Indian cricket out of the delicate phase that it is going through8221;.

Former medium pacer Madan Lal said: 8220;The decision has me taken aback. Ask Sharad Pawar and whoever concerned why they appointed him. They will appoint whoever they want. Indian cricket has reached the point from where it started, and not just in terms of this appointment. Now Rahul Dravid will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility. I have a high regard for Borde. He was a good player and an intelligent cricketer. I trust him to do a good job. But there will be a huge generation gap.8221;

But former India opener Chetan Chauhan does not think age will be a stumbling block for the new team manager. 8220;Yes he is a senior in age. But he has two young coaches with him bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and fielding coach Robin Singh who have retired from international cricket only recently. So their youth and his seniority will bring in the right balance. Considering his Borde experience as a cricketer and chairman of selectors, he should be able to do a good job of it.8221;

Another former opening batsman, Anshuman Gaekwad, whose name also did the rounds in the media for the post, feels that Borde has been selected because BCCI wanted someone who wouldn8217;t turn the offer down. 8220;I think the board wanted someone who won8217;t say no. But looking at the things as they are now, I think it8217;s a good decision. Borde is a senior and highly respected person. The board just needs to appoint a batting coach and the manager8217;s role will become mostly administrative in nature apart from building up strategies and motivating players,8221; Gaekwad said. 8220;I think the BCCI wanted to buy some time. So they appointed him.8221;

Former wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani bluntly criticised the appointment. 8220;They say they are looking ahead. But actually the wise men are taking cricket backward,8221; he said.

All of them agreed, however, that Borde was chosen since there was not enough time for a proper selection process to take place. 8220;It was done on such a short notice, that8217;s why probably they came out with his name. But I think as a last-ditch measure, it is a good move. Given his experience, I think he is a good person for the job. His selection did surprise me though,8221; said Lalchand Rajput, whose name was also floated in the media for the post.

They just wanted someone who won8217;t say no

8226; I think the board wanted someone who won8217;t say no. But looking at the things as they are now, I think it8217;s a good decision. Borde is a senior and highly respected person. The board just needs to appoint a batting coach and the manager8217;s role will become mostly administrative in nature apart from building up strategies and motivating players. 8212; Anshuman Gaekwad

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8226; The decision has me taken aback. Ask Sharad Pawar and whoever concerned why they appointed him. They will appoint whoever they want. Indian cricket has reached the point from where it started, and not just in terms of this appointment. 8212; Madan Lal

8226; He is a senior in age, but he has two young coaches with him Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh. So their youth and his seniority will bring in the right balance. 8212; Chetan Chauhan

8226; They say they are looking ahead. But actually the wise men are taking cricket backward. 8212;Syed Kirmani