0
0
Mithun Manhas’ appointment as new BCCI president has rubbed several of his detractors the wrong way. Among them, according to sources, is none other than India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. On the surface, both being from Delhi should have suggested a natural camaraderie, but contrary to popular belief, Manhas and Gambhir have never shared the warmest of ties. In fact, murmurs in Delhi cricket circuit suggest that Manhas’ move away from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir was triggered by his uneasy equation with Gambhir.
However, there are two sides to this story. First, as India’s head coach, Gambhir has no authority in deciding who becomes the BCCI president or secretary—if anything, the influence runs the other way. Secondly, Manhas has been closely linked with the BCCI for the last six years. It was the board itself that appointed a three-member committee – Anil Gupta, Sunil Sethi, and Manhas — to oversee elections in Jammu & Kashmir cricket.
Given that backdrop, Manhas’ elevation as president appears to be a natural outcome of his long-standing association with the board. His selection lies well outside the purview of Gambhir or any other prominent member of the BCCI working committee.
Therefore, whether Gambhir supported or opposed Manhas is ultimately immaterial. The decision was a larger strategic call, reflecting the board’s long-term confidence in Manhas rather than any personal influence or rivalry.
More so because Gambhir’s vote against the newly appointed BCCI boss wouldn’t have had much impact, as the board had already made its decision. Now, the floor is open for both sides to work together rather than continue nursing age-old differences.
Always a direct and no nonsense straight article .Kudos Indranil for doing fantastic open hearted and unbiased approach towards Cricket , India and Reporting