Former Indian cricketers want Duncan Fletcher sacked

Duncan Fletcher is facing the heat

A host of former Indian cricketers have slammed Indian coach Duncan Fletcher and asked the BCCI to have him sacked.

India lost the recent Test series to England despite leading 1-0 at one stage. The team and coaching staff have come under huge criticism after the loss.

“What was Fletcher doing after we won the Lord's Test on a difficult pitch? This is where he lacked imagination in keeping the lead. Yes, I think Fletcher has to go. He changed his technique and batted well. But why he did not change his tactics as captain foxes me. For example, not keeping a third man where half the runs were scored. Also in team selection, (Ravichandran) Ashwin should have played from the first Test. Wonder why he did not,” former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar said.

Adding to Wadekar’s comment, ex-spinner Erapalli Prasanna said: "I am categorically saying that Fletcher's contribution to the team was a big zero."

The Indian team showed no fight and were dismissed within 29 overs in the second innings of the final Test. None of the Indian batsmen could apply themselves at the crease as they were blown away for just 94. The Indian team has not managed to improve in any way under Duncan Fletcher.

On the other hand, Chandu Borde questioned the technique of the players and their unwillingness to learn from past mistakes.

"I am surprised these youngsters did not change their technique which a player like (Alastair) Cook did after England's defeat at Lord's by standing a few feet outside the crease to counter Bhuvneshwar Kumar's swing bowling. What can a player do if you don't implement what is told to you. He cannot bat for you. Their confidence got low as the series progressed, bogged down by failures,” he said.

Former Indian Test batsman Gundappa Vishwanath came on heavily on MS Dhoni and said the current Indian skipper depends too much on luck and is not proactive.

“I'm not happy with his keeping and captaincy, he's got his own mind. He always keeps repeating that. He always expects a miracle. Miracles cannot happen all the time. It happens once in a blue moon,” the Bangalorean said.