Ravi Shastri Crossed the Line by Abusing Wankhede Curator Sudhir Naik: Sanjay Manjrekar
Ravi Shastri abused former Test batsman Sudhir Naik, who prepared the Wankhede Stadium wicket for the fifth ODI between India and South Africa. The BCCI is not amused at Shastri's outburst after India lost the series 3-2.
Ravi Shastri's abusive language against senior cricketer and former Test batsman Sudhir Naik has divided the cricket world. Naik, who played three Tests for India, prepared the Wankhede Stadium wicket for the fifth and final ODI between India and South Africa. India were mauled by 214 runs to lose the series 3-2. (After India Flattened by South Africa, Ravi Shastri Slams Wankhede Curator Sudhir Naik)
While many feel Shastri was justified in his outburst, former Test batsman and Mumbai teammate Sanjay Manjrekar has slammed the Team India director for crossing the line against the 70-year-old former Test player. (BCCI to Look Into Ravi-Shastri Wankhede Curator Fiasco: Anurag Thakur)
Ravi Shastri completely out of line to abuse Sudhir Naik, curator at Wankhede. Showed disrespect to age & fellow test cricketer.
- Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 27, 2015
Naik, who was appointed by the Mumbai Cricket Association, to oversee Wankhede pitch preparation is held in high esteem by former cricketers. Shastri's aggressive behaviour may not go down well with the MCA management too.
MCA banned Shah Rukh Khan for abusing its staff.Would be interesting to see how they deal with Sudhir Naik's complaint against Ravi Shastri
- Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) October 27, 2015
The Indian cricket Board (BCCI) is not amused at the turn of events. Boorish behaviour by Virat Kohli against a senior journalist during the Australia series had put the BCCI in a spot of bother and now Shastri's exchange with Naik will be discussed. Reports also say that India's bowling coach Bharath Arun also taunted Naik.
Naik has complained to MCA vice-president Dilip Vengsarkar and Ratnakar Shetty, a senior member BCCI's administrative staff in Mumbai.
"We have received a complaint from Naik alleging two members of India support staff getting involved in a heated exchange with the MCA curators after the Wankhede ODI," MCA joint secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar told ESPNCricinfo. The MCA managing committee, in its next meeting, will decide whether to forward the letter to the BCCI.
Shastri, a strong advocate of aggression, has denied using expletives. It remains to be seen how BCCI enforces its rules for good behaviour, which according to its secretary Anurag Thakur is "equal for everyone."