Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly today said he wasn't surprised by team trainer Adrian Le Roux's resignation and hoped the Board of Control for Cricket in India would find a replacement for him soon.
Ganguly, now in London for his father's treatment, said on telephone that Le Roux had informed him about his decision to quit to take up his new assignment with the South African cricket team.
"He is right in wanting to help his country with his skills," said Ganguly. "After all, one's country comes first."
Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the BCCI said it had received Le Roux's request to be released.
"Adrian did a wonderful job with the Indian cricket team," BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said in a statement. "It was reflected in the results that we achieved last season.
"The BCCI, however, respects his national sentiments. So we wish him all the best for the future. The BCCI will be on the lookout for a suitable replacement for Le Roux."
"I am sure the BCCI will get us someone as good as Le Roux," Ganguly said. "It may take a bit of time. But right now we are not playing any competitive matches."
Meanwhile, Ganguly's father is recovering and will not need to undergo heart surgery as had been initially indicated. Ganguly plans to celebrate the news with a quick holiday in Italy with wife Dona and daughter Sana.