Chappell likely for 2nd innings in India, but in different role

Mumbai, Apr 6 (UNI) In a day of high drama and unexpected twists and turns, the former coach of the Indian cricket team Greg Chappell who was all set to return to Australia after stating that he was not interested in the India coach job for the second day just two days back, appears set for a second innings in India, though in a different capacity.

The Indian cricket board convened meetings here today, Chappell who submitted his report on the World Cup along with manager Sanjay Jagdale and captain Rahul Dravid in the morning, accepted part responsibility for the World Cup debacle.

The top brass of BCCI, led by its President Sharad Pawar heard tour reports with Pawar stating at the end of a three-hour meeting of office-bearers of the BCCI that Chappell could be associated with Indian cricket to help implement a long-term plan for development of the game.

That set off speculation that the former Australian captain may be offered the role of a consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore despite his bitter proxy war with senior players including Sachin Tendulkar, who had voiced his anguish over the coach's remarks.

Chappell, who was planning to leave for Singapore tonight on his way back home, is believed to have put off his departure. He is said to be unwell.

The ex-coach will thus be at hand when the BCCI Working Committee meets here tomorrow to take major decisions on the appointment of captain, coach and other officials.

Later in the day the BCCI top brass met the former captains to chalk out the strategy to take Indian cricket forward.

The former captains stressed on the need for strenthening junior cricket and improving the wickets at the domestic level so the first class cricketers could make the transition to the international level more smoothly.

Finally at the end of day, the BCCI threw another googly when it announced that Ravi Shastri has been offered the post of the manager of the Indian team for the Bangladesh tour in May. Shastri is expected to convey his decision on whether he accepts the post or not by tomorrow to the BCCI.

UNI