Angry fans burn a picture of Indian captain Sourav Ganguly
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Indian cricket fans have reacted angrily to their side's poor form at the 2003 World Cup.
India, seen by many as strong contenders to win the trophy, scored an unimpressive win over Holland in their opening game before being thrashed by nine wickets by Australia on Saturday.
Disgusted fans took to the streets of Calcutta after the match and burned an effigy of the captain Sourav Ganguly, before staging a mock funeral for the player.
As a result, police were forced to keep a close watch on Ganguly's house, which was located nearby.
"We're doing what's needed in terms of security," police superintendent Deb Kumar Ganguly said.
There were similar demonstrations against the players elsewhere in India.
In Bombay, fans burned pictures of star batsman Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, while in Allahabad black paint and oil were hurled at the house of middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif.
"The attack was not serious, but it was very disappointing," a member of Kaif's family said.
Meanwhile, an instant poll taken by the Hindi-language news channel Aaj Tak, following India's defeat to Australia, found that more than 80% of respondents would boycott products endorsed by the national side.
It has also been reported by The Times of India newspaper, that some sponsors
have withdrawn television commercials featuring the India
cricketers, in response to the current public mood.
Tendulkar decision
Away from the domestic troubles, India face the predicament of whether they should move star player Tendulkar down the order from his position as opener.
India have arrived in Harare ahead of Wednesday's game against Zimbabwe, on the back of two inept performances by its top order batsmen.
Despite Tendulkar's 52 and 36 against Holland and Australia, it is believed that his partnership with captain Ganguly is not working.
Reports have suggested that Virender Sehwag will open the innings with Dinesh Mongia, while Rahul Dravid would fill in at number three.
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Printable version
India should stop playing cricket - they are an insult to the game and the millions of fans who watch it
