Buchanan disappointed at being sacked by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

---

Player:

SK Warne

---

DateLine: 13th August 2009

 

Former Australia coach John Buchanan said he was "shocked and disappointed" at being sacked as the Kolkata Knight Riders' coach.

 

He said that the actual deal was to build the team over five years.

 

The controversial coach could not help the team's cause in the first two years as KKR finished bottom-placed in the second season and also was surrounded by maximum number of controversies, including the Australian's multiple-captaincy theory.

 

"We were trying to build something over five years but Shah Rukh Khan, the owner and King of Bollywood, had a change of direction and I was told I was no longer needed. That was a a shock and a disappointment," he said.

 

Buchanan felt Sourav Ganguly, was not up to the pace demanded by the game and this had a big impact in their losing the close matches.

 

"(Sourav) Ganguly was the icon player and the captain of the outfit and I told him I didn't believe he was up to the pace of the game. We got to the last over in nine games and lost them, getting to the last ball five times and losing," he was quoted as saying by the 'Courier Mail'.

 

The former Australian coach, who is recuperating after a minor eye surgery, also created controversy when he accepted the job of a consultant to England's cricket team just ahead of Ashes.

 

"I'd never coach another state or international side. There are certain loyalties involved but to help another coach? I'm quite happy to do that," Buchanan clarified.

 

Asked about his relationship with Shane Warne, Buchanan said the bowler's only agenda was to be in news.

 

"I think so. The thing about Warnie is that his agendas are pretty open. He just likes to be the centre of attention and be at the centre stage. He has a good way of managing that and finding his way there."