Sunil Dev, the manager of India's victorious 2007 World Twenty20 team, wonders how players' attitudes could change in less than three years
Sunil Dev, the manager of India's victorious 2007 World Twenty20 team, wonders how players' attitudes could change in less than three years
Manager of India's 2007 World Twenty20-winning campaign, Sunil Dev, is not surprised that some of the Indian team players have got themselves into a mess and are facing the Board of Control for Cricket in India's wrath for indiscipline.
Dev, regarded as a no-nonsense manager, said he has seen the attitude of the players change drastically in three years since that historic triumph.
"When I was manager they were playing cricket, now they are not. I am from the old school of thought where I feel very strict disciplinary action should be taken and nobody should be spared," Dev told MiD DAY yesterday.
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Dev was reacting to the news of the BCCI's decision to issue showcause notices to some Indian players over their alleged involvement in an altercation with fans at a nightclub in St Lucia following the team's last game of the World Twenty20 on May 11.
"At that point in time, they were so passionate to play for the country. Indian cricketers have been very good but recently, their attitude has changed. I don't know what happened to them in the past two years," he said, blaming the Indian Premier League.
"Their loyalty should be towards state and country, but they have forgotten about it. Measures have to be taken which will ensure the players feel proud of playing for their state and country. Earning money is not bad but money shouldn't take control of your mind," said Dev.
"I was so happy when we won the 2007 World T20. Winning a prize money of Rs 4 crore was not the big deal, the biggest prize was the trophy for the country," he said.
The straight-talking Dev said he was deeply hurt to see the team muddled in so many controversies.
Many of the current lot were part of the 2007 World T20 team.
"It has pained me beyond words. There is a lot of difference between the team which won the 2007 tournament and this one."
It is learnt that the BCCI has taken a strong view of what happened in the West Indies after going through manager Ranjib Biswal's tour report.
Dev said he had full confidence in Biswal's sense of fair play. "I have known Biswal from his junior cricket days.
He played under-19 for Delhi when I was the sports secretary and he's also from my college -- St Stephen's.
"I am sure he would not be scared to write about what happened. He's not the kind who will do things to side with the BCCI or please the players."
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