BCCI not willing to change itself: Chappell

The wrinkles on his face have become more visible and striking, but Greg Chappell has not mellowed down one bit. He looks older for sure, since he left India in April this year, but has not lost any of his characteristic zest. “No questions on Indian cricket,” is his stern warning. But it’s difficult for one not to broach the topic and for him to say “no comments” every time. He spoke to Vijay Tagore in Jaipur

How has life been since April 2007?

Good. I’m more at peace with myself and enjoying things. I’m glad I am out of constant media glare.

Given a chance would you take up the job again?

No, not at all. At this age I don’t think I can withstand the 24x7 media glare in India.

Besides, I’m no longer prepared to take the wear and tear of travel for such a long time in a year. It would be difficult to maintain relationships. I want to give time to my family and I’m happy I’m able to do so.

You left India in a hurry. Did you at any time feel threatened for life after the team’s early exit from the World Cup?

No, never. It was all media’s creation — both Australian and Indian.

But you seem to have said that recently. You also said the attack on you in Bhubaneswar was pre-planned and had racial connotations?

All that came out of an interview I gave for a documentary a long time back in an altogether different context. I don’t mean it and I’m happy to be in India and thoroughly enjoying the stay. What happened in Bhubaneswar was an aberration.

Is there more to that documentary?

Probably, but may be in a different context. I can only say I’m very happy to be back in India.

But why? You coached a national team and now you are handling a regional academy?
Lalit (Modi) showed the plan and blueprint of the academy when I was here for the Champions Trophy match last year.

I said it was a good plan but I never knew I would be taking up the job myself. After leaving India, I could have taken up so many different jobs but I always have been passionate about coaching and Indian cricket.

It’s very exciting, challenging and satisfying to coach a young bunch of cricketers. I’m loving it.

Do you mean to say you have an unfinished agenda in India?

Look, you can do certain things only in India. It is the epicentre of the game. There are certain things you may want to do but you cannot do it in an Australian set-up.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed training the young boys in Jaipur. Unlike the BCCI, my present employer Lalit is very committed and passionate about the academy and I’m happy to be giving six months of an year for three years.

The BCCI has made another Australian head of the National Cricket Academy. Do you think he will succeed?

No matter who you bring, as long the BCCI is not changing it will be difficult for any person to work under it. I was offered the same job but I did not accept it because the BCCI was not willing to change itself. Here in Rajasthan, it is completely different.

Lalit has a vision, plan and commitment for the academy. I’m happy to be working for him.

You said you foresaw the World Cup disaster...

As I said, it’s difficult to work under the BCCI which was not willing to change for its own compulsive reasons.

Do you think MS Dhoni is the right choice for Indian captaincy?

He is the right choice for ODI captaincy. But I think he is not yet ready for the Test job. As for Anil Kumble, if you don’t give him the charge now, you cannot give him at any point of time. So I think the choice at both ends is right.

Finally, there is a talk in India that like John Wright, you would come out with your Indian experience in a book. True?

Who knows? May be... One day...