06 May,2011 10:50 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Kings XI Punjab coach Michael Bevan has backed skipper Adam Gilchrist, who questioned Mumbai Indians' decision to hand the wicket-keeping gloves to Ambati Rayudu, who had limped off the ground after pulling a muscle while fielding, during their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the Wankhede Stadium on
Sunday.
Rayudu, who was off the field for nearly 10 overs due to his injury, surprisingly returned to replace regular wicketkeeper Davy Jacobs when the latter fractured his finger.
Kings XI Punjab coach Michael Bevan at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in
Bangalore yesterday. pic/ramesh hs
In his post-match press conference, Gilchrist questioned Mumbai's sportsmanship.
"When you are out, you are not fit. I know there is no rule or regulation against it but a question needs to be asked: 'he is either fit or not fit?' I will leave it to you guys to judge whether it's appropriate or not," said the Aussie legend.
Yesterday,u00a0 Bevan echoed his compatriot's thoughts.
"Obviously, I am also not happy with what happened that night. You cannot take such things for granted. Once you are unfit, you are unfit. There can't be any two ways about it.
"It's even more astonishing to call upon an injured player to keep wickets, it left our dressing room puzzled," he told MiD DAY.
"Gilly (Gilchrist) has already said what he had to. The entire management has backed him, and his reaction is totally justified. I have nothing else to say," he added.
