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Sachin, Sourav Among '6 Cancers Of India': Senior Journo Recalls Greg Chappell's Remark

India former coach Greg Chappell [X]India former coach Greg Chappell [X]

When you hear the phrase “6 cancers of Indian cricket,” it might seem like a shocking headline, but it’s a term that has recently resurfaced, stirring up old controversies. The term was originally used by Greg Chappell, the former Australian cricketer and Indian team coach, to describe some key players from the Indian cricket team during his tumultuous tenure.

Greg Chappell's Controversial Tenure

In May 2005, Greg Chappell took over as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. His stint, which lasted until 2007, was marred by controversy and conflict. One of the most notable flashpoints was his attempt to adjust Sachin Tendulkar’s batting position. 

Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the “God of Indian Cricket,” was a revered figure in the sport, and Chappell’s interference was seen as a significant affront.

Chappell’s tenure also involved attempts to drop senior players, which created significant unrest within the team. His methods and decisions were seen as counterproductive, leading to a period of insecurity among the players. Many insiders and former players have since criticized Chappell’s approach, suggesting that his leadership created more problems than it solved.

A recent viral clip has brought Chappell’s harsh assessment of certain Indian cricketers back into the limelight. The Senior journalist from Sportstak revealed that Chappell referred to Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, and Sachin Tendulkar as the “6 cancers” of Indian cricket. 

Chappell’s critical view of these prominent players reflects his contentious relationship with the team during his coaching period. The identity of the sixth player, unfortunately, remains unclear.


Indian Team Under Chappell’s Guidance

Under Greg Chappell’s guidance, the Indian team had a mixed record. They won 32 ODIs and lost 27 out of 62, and during his time, the team won only seven of the 18 Tests played. India’s early exit from the 2007 World Cup in the group stage further marred his tenure. Despite these statistics, Chappell's approach left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.