OMGSACHIN: Sachin United The Team When the entire team was divided in groups

Despite Team India's disastrous trip Down Under, the batting legend is going to earn some accolades when Biswarup Dey, manager for the tri-series, submits his report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a few days.

"Sachin was an example for the rest. With the team clearly divided and none to guide the juniors, Sachin did it in a great manner. He stood out as a great statesman of the game. When the entire team was divided in groups, Sachin only tried to unite the warring factions putting aside his stature," a source in the BCCI told MiD DAY yesterday.

But one Tendulkar wasn't perhaps enough for India as there were other factors that went against them. The alleged report of a rift between captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his deputy Virender Sehwag is also likely to figure in the manager's report.

"As far as I know, the manager's report will include the entire episode of Dhoni-Sehwag rift that started during the England tour last year. The ego clash between them hasn't gone down well with other members of the team either. The Board will be suggested to sit with Dhoni and Sehwag as and when possible to sort out the differences, otherwise it can have a very bad effect on Indian cricket," the source revealed.

Selectors' move to elevate Virat Kohli as vice-captain also affected the team. Apparently, Gautam Gambhir didn't take the selectors' move sportingly. "Gambhir was disappointed with the decision and following that announcement, the relationship between him and Kohli took a beating. Now, they don't even see eye-to-eye," the source assessed.

Though team members were asked to concentrate on their game and not indulge in any report in the media, the infighting was on and that affected the team's spirit. "It wasn't a good sight at all with players scattered in groups," the source felt.

However, the manager's report is likely to recommend the need for conditioning camps before touring outside the sub-continent. "In the sub-continent one can manage a little under preparedness, but not on tours of England, Australia or South Africa. Indians were found wanting in those conditions.

"So, the Board should look into the matter and organise proper camps before stepping outside the sub-continent," the source disclosed. Meanwhile, questions will be raised about the team management's decision to carry on with Zaheer Khan despite having niggles.