Former cricketers express surprise at Arothe’s arrest

Vadodara: The cricketing fraternity from the city came out in support of Indian women team’s former coach Tushar Arothe who was arrested in IPL betting case on Monday night.
Arothe, who has played 114 first class matches for Baroda, was later released on bail.

“I have known Arothe for a long time now. He has always played cricket with integrity and he will never do such thing. I was his captain in Baroda Ranji team during our playing days and he was always known for his discipline. The entire cricketing fraternity is with him,” said Kiran More, former India keeper.

Former India cricketer and coach, Anshuman Gaekwad too said, “Arothe is a quite balanced person who knows what is right and wrong. He won’t do any act for earning quick money and damage his hard-earned reputation. I am surprised by whatever has happened.”

After retiring from first-class cricket in 2003, Arothe was appointed as coach of Baroda women’s cricket team. He then coached various state cricket teams and was appointed as Indian women cricket team’s coach in 2009. He was again appointed as Indian women team’s coach ahead of 2017 world cup and Arothe took the team to finals. He resigned from his post in July last year after differences cropped up with team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur.

Ex-Baroda Ranji player and former chairman of junior national selection committee, Connor Williams said, “Arothe was a seasoned cricketer and he always knew what is to be done and what not. I am shocked and find it very hard to believe that such a case has been filed against him. I have played with him and I know him as a matured sportsperson.”

Snehal Parikh, secretary (in-charge), Baroda Cricket Association (BCA), said, “It is very unfortunate that something like this has happened. Arothe was always a professional and he came from grassroots. He had a clean track record and he won’t every do such thing.”