The Hindu : Sport : Chappell pledges commitment to excellence

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Saturday, May 21, 2005

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Chappell pledges commitment to excellence

Special Correspondent

Tenure to run until 2007 World Cup in West Indies

NEW DELHI: Greg Chappell, a cricketer of great distinction and some revolutionary ideas about the game, was on Friday appointed the new coach of the Indian team for a period of two years. His contract commences this June and extends until the completion of the World Cup in the West Indies in 2007.

The decision was unanimous, said the Board president, Ranbir Singh Mahendra. "The working committee will ratify the decision next month," he said.

Chappell beat three other contenders to the post — Mohinder Amarnath, Desmond Haynes and Tom Moody. The selection panel, including Sunil Gavaskar, S. Venkatraghavan and Ravi Shastri, was highly impressed with the overall vision of cricket that Chappell presented.

"The committee found Chappell ahead of the rest," said Mr. Mahendra. "We had a healthy discussion with Amarnath and we didn't feel any need to consult the players on this issue," he said.

Amarnath was gracious in accepting the decision. "I'm not disappointed. Life has to go on and I wish Greg all the best in his venture," said

Amarnath, who was reported to be a strong contender for the post.

PTI adds

Desire to succeed

Indian cricket's new coach gave a ``commitment to excellence'' and demanded the same from the players in their desire to succeed and move forward.

Chappell termed his new job as ``exciting and challenging'' and said he would bring in his own philosophies and plans to take the Indian team further up the ladder.

``It is going to be exciting. There is going to be lot of challenges, a number of priority issues ... my job will be to maintain and improve the quality of the team,'' the 57-year-old former Australian captain said at a news conference.

``I give my commitment to excellence to Indian cricket on and off the field ... It will be a full time commitment, 24 hours, seven days a week,'' he said.

Own plans

Chappell, a world class batsman of the 1970s and 80s with 7,110 runs from 87 Tests, said talent would not bring success to the Indian team. ``I have my own plans but if the 16 or 18 players don't find playing for India enough to get them motivated, then it will be hard on me and them as well,'' he said. ``There are certain things that are non-negotiable. Commitment, preparation, discipline from players and myself, and then the talent.''

Assessing the past and recent performances of Sourav Ganguly's men, Chappell said the team that reached a World Cup final must have it in them to be the champion side but sometimes mere desire was not enough.

``I suppose it is the will, determination and discipline and the talent,'' he listed as characteristics of a world beating team.

``The preparation has to be spot on. We can't have players working harder for the sake of working harder. We need people who work harder and smarter. It has to be a combination of both, we have to get the correct balance, it is going to be a man management process.

``I can't guarantee that I will always get it right but will get it right more often than not. Playing has its own challenge and idiosyncrasies. Coach cannot have a direct impact ... but what is needed is consistent effort and commitment.''

Chappell has his own theories on the concept of coaching. He is vocal about the need for cricketers to go back to the days of unstructured learning to make themselves better players.

Chappell said he would certainly share his thoughts with the Indian team.

``There are a number of issues that I will talk with the players in due course. My knowledge and philosophies, some will be different. But we have to remember that we are not talking rocket science. Cricket is a simple game and it has to be kept that way. Players will have a big involvement in my plans and preparations. I will bring my ideas to the table, and hopefully the players will buy them.''

Chappell said he had no problems in working with former Indian players at various levels to help the team.

He said he had spoken to his predecessor John Wright in the past when the New Zealander was coach, but he saw no compulsion to adopt his methods.

``I can best do what I do. I am aware of John Wright's temperament and personality that suited the Indian job. But if I do things differently it does not necessarily mean a criticism of Wright. In fact, I envy his success. I come with open eyes and will go with open eyes.''

Chappell stressed on the importance of good rapport with the selectors for the team to be successful. ``Obviously it is important to have a say in selection. How it happens will depend on the relationship with the selectors,'' he said.

Chappell also hinted at having a specialist bowling coach for the team.

Remuneration

Chappell will get roughly Rs one crore per annum under the terms of his contract. The BCCIndia, will pay Chappel an annual remuneration of $175,000 (approx Rs. 78 lakhs) besides allowances and travel expenses. For each day he spends in India, Chappell is expected to get Rs. 2,000.

To be based in Bangalore, where the National Cricket Academy is located, Chappell will have a 60-day break each year, it was decided at a meeting attended by BCCI President Ranbir Singh Mahendra, Secretary, S.K. Nair, the former president, Jagmohan Dalmiya, and Vice President, Rajiv Shukla.

However, his media commitments and opportunities remained to be sorted out. The issue of his column writing and handling the media will be thrashed out at a second meeting with the BCCI before he takes up his job on June 15.

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