Independent panel to enquire into Gambhir-Bhaskar spat

The DDCA will set up an independent enquiry committee to investigate into the spat between Gautam Gambhir and Delhi coach KP Bhaskar. Gambhir had accused Bhaskar of "creating an atmosphere of uncertainty" among the team's youngsters.

It is understood that both parties agreed to the creation of such a panel after retired Justice Vikramjit Sen, the DDCA administrator, met with Gambhir, Bhaskar and Delhi manager Shankar Saini on Friday morning at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

The composition of the committee was not known and no time-frame was given for the completion of the enquiry. Bhaskar refused to elaborate on the spat but said he was not the first person to be at the "receiving end". "There have been eight other instances which have happened. It's unfortunate that I was at the receiving end this time," Bhaskar told ESPNcricinfo." I respect Justice Sen and I have full trust in his judgment and wisdom."

While Gambhir admitted to having an argument with Bhaskar after Delhi's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh on Monday, he denied that he had abused the coach as had been stated in a few news reports. Gambhir was particularly critical of Bhaskar's handling of the exclusions of batsmen Unmukt Chand and Nitish Rana during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

"If protecting a youngster is a crime, I am guilty. If making 20-22-year-olds feel secure in an insecure environment is a crime, then I am guilty. But I could not have let this man (Bhaskar) play with careers of young players like Unmukt Chand and Nitish Rana," Gambhir had told PTI on Tuesday.

Gambhir had also said he was trying to provide security to the youngsters, and that he didn't want them to face the insecurities he did. "There has been a culture in Delhi cricket about making players insecure. I have myself faced that when I was a youngster. When I got into the Ranji Trophy team, I was made to feel insecure. Then only I had decided, if I ever take charge I will never make young boys feel insecure."