Indian Premier League 2 : IPL 2 : IPL 2009

Reacting to growing criticism, Bangalore Royal Challengers owner Vijay Mallya has taken a u-turn from his earlier remarks about the team’s sacked CEO Charu Sharma and captain Rahul Dravid.

”The Royal Challengers is my team and I have full confidence in them. Admittedly, there are issues on team composition and non-performance but I hope that I can enjoy the legitimate privacy of sorting out issues within my own squad,” Mallya added.

Earlier, Mallya had said it was a mistake to keep himself away from team selection but now he has accused the media of blowing the whole issue out of proportion. ”I have read all the reports in the media over the last few days with considerable dismay. Matters are not only being blown extravagantly out of proportion but my initial comments in response to Charu Sharma have been twisted and turned in a bizarre manner,” Mallya said. However, the liquor baron has altogether taken a different stand saying his team would come out harder and tougher in the next editions of the tournament.

”I continue to believe that I made the right choice in acquiring an IPL franchise which will create great value going forwared. I like winning but losing round one does not mean that I have lost the fight. The Royal Challengers wil emerge winners going forward,” Mallya added. India’s Test captain Anil Kumble had also urged to end such controveries said it was time the ”people who matter” understood what sport was all about.