The ugly incident when Greg Chappell was attacked while he was India's cricket coach is exposing the reality in India as well as the entire sub-continent, where managing is extremely difficult. There are too many opinions and demands from all quarters. The media adds fuel to the fire. No-one is allowed to do his job.

Indian coaches lack the professional experience of foreign coaches who come from systems with vastly advanced infrastructures. They have better strategies and have played with teams that have won international games more frequently. I cannot imagine someone like Sunil Gavaskar being a coach. He was inadequate even as a captain.

The only option left is to bring coaches from countries like Australia, South Africa or England who come from a different background and have experience of different systems that pave the way for long-term improvement in performance. They will not favour players nor have any influence from regional politics.

'After the Chappell incident, most foreign coaches will think twice before taking on a coaching assignment in the sub-continent'


Chappell failed in his mission because he was ahead of his time. In the long run, players should be picked on the strength of reliability and performance. Our players, being used to hero worship were above criticism. They started complaining only when the team got booted out of the World Cup.

After the Chappell incident, most foreign coaches will think twice before taking on a coaching assignment in the sub-continent. One cannot meet everyone's demands. The Indian selectors themselves are constantly bullied which makes it difficult for them to do their jobs. And because of this pressure, they buckle under the pressure.

I don't know how the ICL/IPL rift will pan out. Security for foreign players is going to be a big issue. Players like Andrew Symonds will be targeted and possibly even attacked.

Chappell's vision was good. He wanted to change things so that in the long term the Indian team would benefit. One cannot expect 100 per cent improvement as soon as being given the assignment. Chappell was up front and honest. And he paid the price for it.

Sourav Ganguly was going the wrong way when Chappell took over. He was becoming the tyrant who takes things for granted. He wanted others to perform for him while he led the side. Chappell sent him packing and  Ganguly went back to basics, and the results are there now for all to see. Compare this way of working to the Gavaskar, which was all about favouritism and unimaginative leadership.

Chappell's revelation is going to set things back for the Indian team. They will now have to rely on a local coach who will probably play the political cards to stay in his job and compromise on performance. If Indian cricket has to catch up to the Australian level, then we need ex-players from own under coaching at all levels, the national team, cricket academies, state cricket teams and talent spotting. It could take a couple of decades to get there but in the long run it will get the Indian team up to a high standard.