Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni's remark that the IPL parties had taken a toll on the team's recent performance in the ICC T20 World Cup has opened a can of worms with Coach Gary Kirsten letting out the skeletons from the closet of the team.
According to media reports, Gary Kirsten raised some critical questions on Thursday on the commitment of the team and players' fitness. The fitness levels Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma were particularly on the scanner.
He questioned the team's commitment saying that the Indian cricket team is content to be number 1 in Tests and number 2 in ODIs but has not shown enough commitment to the T20 World Cup.
After India's deplorable performance at the World T20, Kirsten held one-on-one meetings with some senior players. He then met the rest of the team together and demanded better fitness from the players in one month.
According to reports Kirsten found three cricketers unfit for any kind of international action. They are grossly unfit but refuse to take any kind of corrective action.
Reports also said, some players found it difficult to mantain disciplinary codes of conduct. They want the freedom to do whatever they want off the field, even when on tour.
Several players oppose the disciplinary norms on drinking, parties and pubbing. The players are reiterated that they were okay with fines being imposed on breaking of disciplinary codes.
Kirsten feels that there would be no change in the team attitude unless the whip is cracked.
Kirsten will submit a report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on the West Indies washout.
Meanwhile Sachin Tendulkar came to the rescue of the team saying that sometimes the team performs badly and that he as all faith that the team will improve.
