BRC captaincy still open, Dravid in contention: Jennings

Embattled Bangalore Royal Challengers are having second thoughts on making an out-of-form Jacques Kallis skipper once Kevin Pietersen leaves and may again hand the captaincy to Rahul Dravid if he returns here after attending to his new born baby.

BRC captaincy still open, Dravid in contention: Jennings

Coach Ray Jennings said with Kallis struggling with the bat and ball, the captaincy of the side in the Indian Premier League second season is still open after Pietersen departs for England after tomorrow's match against Kolkata.

Bangalore team owner Vijay Mallya had earlier announced that Kallis would take over from Pietersen.

Mallya had factored in Dravid's likely absence from the Indian Premier League second season to attend to his baby when he named Pietersen as captain instead of the former India skipper.

Jennings said if Kallis, who has scored 101 runs from four matches with the bat and just a solitary wicket, fails to make it to the playing XI, Dravid and even Anil Kumble can lead the side.

"It is still open. I need to sit down and discuss with the management what we need to do. If Jacques plays, obviously he might be captain. But if he doesn't play we have other guys like (Mark) Boucher, (Anil) Kumble and even (Rahul) Dravid (when he comes back) who are capable of leading the team," Jennings said.

"Obviously, after Pietersen we have to look at the performance of the side and then see who is the best guy to lead the side," Jennings was quoted as saying in Cricinfo.

Jennings believes much of the fault for the poor run of his team lies with it.

"I'm disappointed with the results like everybody else from Bangalore. I'm disappointed in the performance of some of the players. Our fielding has not been upto the scratch and we haven't done well both with the ball and bat in the first and the last six overs," Jennings said.

"I don't think too many players have risen to the occasion in one game. That goes to everybody. There are not too many players who have walked away with results that would make an impact on the field. Jennings was also unhappy with the team's fielding.

"Robin Uthappa and Rahul Dravid dropping catches in the last few games. If opportunities like that are not grabbed then it will not make a difference in the eventual result."

Despite Bangalore's struggles - only one win from five matches, Jennings said he felt no pressure from his bosses.

"I'm in contact with the management. I spoke to (Vijay) Mallya three days ago. They are coming up with ideas, which I need to respond to and consider if they can be put into action. There may not be performances on the board but from my point of view I'm totally committed. I'm not in a position to comment if they will be patient this time. In cricket issues arise and it depends on how you handle them."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels