What if: Greg Chappell did not become India's coach

#4 The middle-finger controversy would have never happened

Fans holding posters screaming “Go Back Chappell’ in the game at Eden Gardens

After the sacking of Ganguly, the Indian team had to play a One-Day International at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. There was a barrage of critical slogans from Indian cricket fans blaming the coach for Ganguly’s removal and Chappell was caught by television cameras showing his middle finger from the team bus.

The Australian coach’s gesture drew angry responses from prominent personalities and other top politicians. The controversy also overshadowed India’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat in the game.

"Indian fans might be a tad too emotional for Chappell's tastes, but they don't deserve such disrespect," The Times of India reported.

"By his extravagantly tasteless gesture, the legendary Australian cricketer has virtually guaranteed that the debate would now be on him rather than the overtly sentimental crowd.”

The then Indian team media manager M.Baladitya had said, ”Greg did not make any obscene gesture at the crowd and the incident has been blown out of proportion."