Dev against Dav, bats for Ravi Shastri

Former captain Kapil Dev has slammed the Indian cricketers for their propensity for foreign coaches and declared that Ravi Shastri is ''the best option'' for the post of Team India coach.

''Ravi Shastri is the best option for the job. The baord and Shastri himself should take the initiative and offer to coach India,'' Kapil said adding that it would be in the best interest of Indian cricket.

He also criticised players' support for foreign coaches namely Dav Whatmore and Tom Moody.

''Since they (the Indian cricketers) haven't played under these two, they shoudn't be saying anything in their favour. I am disheartened by the fact that the current players do not want an Indian to coach the team,'' Kapil said on a TV programme to be aired on Aaj Tak.

Madan Lal and Anshuman Gaekwad also echoed Kapil's sentiments on the issue.

Remembering, his tenure, former coach Madan Lal said ''there were times when I was helpless, but they (players) did not understand this. I didn't had any support staff either.'' Commenting on Whatmore's almost successful candiature Madan Lal said, ''Appointing a former coach is derogatory to the former Indian players. Since the current team doesn't want an Indian to coach them and only one man is running the race, he is likely to win as well.'' Although, he put forward his candiature and said, ''the Board should call four-five candidates. I am aggressive to and well qualified for the job.'' Former coach Anshuman Gaekwad also supported Kapil Dev and Madan Lal, he said, ''this time the selection process has no transparency about it.''