``Whoever had sent that instruction, it was `rubbish'. There was no need for that as you had still one more over to go. Just singles would have taken India past Zimbabwe's total,'' Gavaskar bemoaned.

India, requiring four runs to win and two overs in hand, lost to Zimbabwe when Olonga, bowled that memorable penultimate over, picked up the crucial wickets of Robin Singh, Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad.

This loss in the end analysis had turned out to be very crucial as India lost two crucial points, which ultimately led to its exit from the World Cup in theSuper Six league itself. India had the mathematical chance of qualifying for the last four following its spectacular victory over arch-rivals Pakistan after losing to Australia in the opening Super Six match. But Pakistan's win over Zimbabwe effectively sealed all routes for India. Later Gavaskar replying to former Pakistan skipper Rameez Raza said Azharuddin's captaincy might not be under threat after the team takes the flight back home.

He said he had survived during the last eight or nine years and had captained the team in the last two World Cups and he might survive this time also.

Ranatunga sacked

LONDON: Arjuna Ranatunga has been sacked as Sri Lanka captain. Ranatunga was asked to step down as skipper by Sri Lankan Sports Minister SB Dissanayake who accused him of several mistakes. However, Dissanayake left the door open for Ranatunga to stay on as a batsman. And Ranatunga responded to the decision by vowing to continue playing.