Analysis
Five instances when coaches fell out with players in Cricket
Players and coaches are the two most important pillars of any team.
Players and coaches are the two most important pillars of any team. The compatibility of the two is very important for a team’s success. On the other hand, if the players and coach do not get along, it becomes very difficult for a team to function. In this article, we will look at some of the instances in cricket where players and coaches had a falling out. Here is the complete list.
#1 Sourav Ganguly and Greg Chappell
Sourav Ganguly-Greg Chappell (Source: Twitter)
The story begins in 2005, before the Zimbabwe tour, during a warm-up game. Then-Indian coach Greg Chappell asked then-Indian captain Sourav Ganguly to resign. Chappell cited Ganguly’s poor form as the reason for this. Chappell then decided to bench Ganguly in favour of Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh. This was the start of a major storm.
Following the tour, Chappel sent an email to the Indian Cricket Board, which was leaked to the media in September 2005. Chappel stated in the email that Ganguly was not mentally or physically fit to lead the team. Ganguly was then stripped of his captaincy and snubbed from the team. He did, however, make a comeback in both ODIs and Tests. Greg Chappell was forced to resign shortly after India was eliminated from the World Cup group stage in 2007.
#2 Shahid Afridi and Waqar Younis
Shahid Afridi-Waqar Younis (Source: Twitter)
This was one of the most contentious incidents in Pakistan’s cricket history. According to reports, Waqar stated in his statement during the Caribbean Series in May 2011 that Shahid Afridi was unfit to captain the team.
Younis reportedly stated, “As a captain, he is very immature, has poor discipline, lacks a gameplan, and is unwilling to listen to others’ opinions or advice”. Waqar Younis resigned as a result of the controversy. Afridi was fired as captain the same day.
#3 Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores
Kevin Pietersen-Peter Moores (Source: Twitter)
Kevin Pietersen was named England captain in August 2008. He was overjoyed to be named captain and stated that it was a huge opportunity for him. After England failed to defend 387 in the Test match against India in Chennai in December, Pietersen decided he no longer wanted Peter Moores as a coach.
On this matter in January 2009, Kevin said, “This situation is not healthy, we have to make sure it is settled as soon as possible and certainly before we fly off to West Indies. Everything has to be hunky dory, everybody has to have the same aims and pull in the same direction for the good of the England team”. After a few days, England Cricket Board appointed Andrew Strauss as England’s captain, and Andy Flower replaced Peter Moores.
#4 Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble
Virat Kohli-Anil Kumble (Source: Twitter)
The ‘Virat Kohli vs. Anil Kumble’ episode is one of the most contentious captain-coach disputes in Indian cricket history. It was a heinous incident that sparked a lot of controversies. Vinod Rai, the Chairman of the Committee of Administrators (CoA), stated that Indian cricketers, including Kohli, were dissatisfied with the excessive discipline demanded by Kumble, and that young players felt intimidated.
Rai also stated that Anil Kumble felt he was treated unfairly, with the captain and his teammates being prioritised over the head coach. He also stated that it was his responsibility as a coach to instil discipline and professionalism in the team.
#5 Justin Langer and the Australian Team
Justin Langer-Australian team (Source: Twitter)
Justin Langer resigned as Australia’s coach in February after being offered an insulting six-month contract extension despite leading the team to victory in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 and the Ashes. A rumoured breakdown in Langer’s relationship with a core of senior players prompted CA to make the decision to let the 51-year-old go.
CA was hugely criticised by a slew of Australia’s greatest Test players, including Mark Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Matthew Hayden, and the late Shane Warne for their treatment towards the former head coach.
