'Shastri should have been physically present': Ganguly

Former captain Sourav Ganguly has said he is "saddened and disappointed" over allegations that he was rude towards Ravi Shastri and dismissive of his candidature for India coach.

Shastri, who was one of the contenders for the top job, had earlier accused Ganguly for absenting himself from his interview, which was conducted over Skype since the former Team India director was vacationing in Bangkok.

Expressing his frustration, Shastri had advised Ganguly to make sure he did not skip meetings when something as important as selecting India's coach was on the agenda.

"The next time be in the meeting when someone is being interviewed for such a top post," Shastri had said.

Ganguly responded by saying that he was unable to attend Shastri's interview session as his presence was required at Cricket Association of Bengal, of which he is currently president.

"Instead of holidaying at Bangkok, Shastri should have been present physically during the interview," Ganguly is reported to have said.