12 September,2014 12:09 PM IST | | Harit N Joshi
Former Indian cricketer blasts coach for the team's dismal show in Test series against England, says Ravi Shastri should continue to stay with the Indian team
Farokh Engineer and Duncan Fletcher
Team Director Ravi Shastri may have paid glowing tributes to coach Duncan Fletcher following India's 3-1 triumph in the ODI series against England recently. But former India stumper Farokh Engineer remains unimpressed with the Zimbabwean.
Farokh Engineer during the inauguration of the indoor cricket facility at Brabourne Stadium in CCI yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK
Shastri had called Fletcher a 'fatherly figure' in an interview to ESPNCricinfo.
"I am really surprised at Ravi's comments. I don't know what Ravi saw in Fletcher that I missed.
I have spoken to at least 20 established Indian cricketers and they all have given me negative feedbacks," Engineer said on the sidelines of the inauguration of the indoor cricket facility at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday.
'Fletcher's always glum'
"If he was that good a coach then he should have rectified Virat Kohli's technique. He should have advised Dhoni on choosing to bat or bowl after winning the toss.
Duncan Fletcher
"Have you ever seen Fletcher smile? He is always glum. How can he inspire our boys?
How can he keep the dressing room atmosphere lively? He has not brought out the best in our players. He remains aloof and is uninspiring. I have nothing personal against him.
"Winning the ODI series was on the cards. But two England Test tours under Fletcher have been miserable," a visibly upset Engineer added.
Engineer, who is based in England for most part of the year, said Shastri should continue to stay with the Indian team.
'Bring in Vengsarkar'
"Ravi is very dynamic and a positive person. He can have a good impact on the team. We can also have Dilip Vengsarkar (former India skipper) as part of the team management. He is also very knowledgeable," Engineer signed off.
