PTI
  
Vadodara, Jun 10: Former Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad has criticised Greg Chappell for his comments on Irfan Pathan while hoping that the pep talk by legendary fast bowler Andy Roberts would boost the morale of the youngster.

Gaekwad took objection to Chappell's comment that Pathan lacked confidence and that affected the left-arm seamer's performance in the one-day series in the West Indies.

Pathan was dropped from the first Test which ended in a draw at Antigua earlier this week.

"It is coach's job to help rectify a player's flaws in technique," Gaekwad told PTI over phone.

The former Test batsman, who was a member of the Indian team that toured the Caribbean in 1976, said the tips that Pathan received from Roberts at the nets during the first Test would help the Indian spearhead as he attempts to return to the team for the second Test.

Gaekwad cited the instance of Wasim Akram helping Pathan during India's visit to Pakistan in 2004.

"Same thing can happen here ... Roberts sorted out Pathan's run-up and suggested some minor corrections. This will help Pathan a lot," he said.

Pathan's coach of junior cricket days, Mehndi Sheikh, said the 21-year old should have played in the first Test.

"Chappell should have boosted the morale of Pathan by allowing him to play in the Test. If the performance is the criteria, then it applies to everyone," Sheikh said.