Indian team incense fans

[bd_cricket]

Angry fans burn a picture of Indian captain Sourav
Ganguly
Indian cricket fans have reacted angrily to their
side's poor form at the 2003 World Cup.
India, seen by many as strong contenders to win the
trophy, scored an unimpressive win over Holland in
their opening game before being thrashed by nine
wickets by Australia on Saturday.

Disgusted fans took to the streets of Calcutta after
the match and burned an effigy of the captain Sourav
Ganguly, before staging a mock funeral for the player.


Gavaskar hits out at India

As a result, police were forced to keep a close watch
on Ganguly's house, which was located nearby.

"We're doing what's needed in terms of security,"
police superintendent Deb Kumar Ganguly said.

There were similar demonstrations against the players
elsewhere in India.

In Bombay, fans burned pictures of star batsman Sachin
Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, while in Allahabad
black paint and oil were hurled at the house of
middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif.

"The attack was not serious, but it was very
disappointing," a member of Kaif's family said.

Meanwhile, an instant poll taken by the Hindi-language
news channel Aaj Tak, following India's defeat to
Australia, found that more than 80% of respondents
would boycott products endorsed by the national side.

It has also been reported by The Times of India
newspaper, that some sponsors have withdrawn
television commercials featuring the India cricketers,
in response to the current public mood.

Tendulkar decision

Away from the domestic troubles, India face the
predicament of whether they should move star player
Tendulkar down the order from his position as opener.

India have arrived in Harare ahead of Wednesday's game
against Zimbabwe, on the back of two inept
performances by its top order batsmen.

Imran: Ganguly irresponsible

Despite Tendulkar's 52 and 36 against Holland and
Australia, it is believed that his partnership with
captain Ganguly is not working.

Reports have suggested that Virender Sehwag will open
the innings with Dinesh Mongia, while Rahul Dravid
would fill in at number three