Chappell looking out of place in the land of Temples
By Rayed Mamun – 5 April 2007
Why isn’t India the best team in the world? Why can’t a country with a billion worshippers of this religion they call ‘cricket’, get even close to the holy grail, the World Cup.
On paper, India is supposed to match Australia, if not beat them. Why haven’t they beaten them in three years, and why can’t they beat even inferior teams? Simple, Australia is a champion team, and India is merely a team of champions, but why is this so? It simply does not make sense, that a team with so much talent can’t win big tournaments. It seems now the bubble of emotions inside the Indian camp has burst, and there is clearly some tension between the players and the coach. India’s World Cup debacle, and previous disappointments have been down to one man, Greg Chappell.
Cricket is a team sport, and obviously involves teamwork. Teamwork involves skills such as listening, respecting, helping, sharing and participating. The UK Minister for sport, Richard Caborn has been quoted to have said that a coach is there to ‘motivate, encourage and inspire’.
Now that it is known what teamwork is, and what coaches do, we can observe how these personal qualities were absent in Chappell, according to his players. It seems ironic that the players know what the qualities of a good coach are and Chappell himself doesn’t. A senior player was quoted to have said: "Chappell…has no respect for the players and looks to blame one of them any time the team loses. A coach is supposed to give the players confidence, not create insecurity in the team."
It is little wonder all the senior players were on non-speaking terms with him towards the end of the World Cup. Senior players have described him as ‘manipulative’ and ‘untrustworthy’. Another senior player elaborates stating: “He has destroyed the confidence of the team and made everyone feel insecure. He has been a great player, but does it mean he has the right to make others feel small?”
This dictating behaviour is further emphasised. Chappell continually blames the attitude of the senior players, even though it is clear that they give their heart and soul to cricket. He also makes absurd allegations that the senior players are ‘blocking the path for younger players’. This is the equivalent of your boss blaming you for not allowing new graduates into the company. Chappell’s ridiculous statement is summarised by yet another senior player: “If I can’t ensure my own selection, how can I influence someone else’s inclusion?”
This endless blame game is enough to drive even the most humble of cricketers absolutely mad. Its quite clear why Chappell is playing this blame game, and once again one of the Indian players has our answer. A senior bowler has said: “Its quite obvious that Chappell has a guilty mind. That’s precisely why is he having a go at everyone and anyone”.
It goes without saying, with all the mental pressure Chappell is applying to the players, how on earth can they concentrate on their own games, let alone work as a team?
So who do you believe? The Indian team, eleven identical opinions. A team with players who are rarely outspoken in public, who, it seems, were unable to hold in the anger any longer. The World Cup loss had to be the last straw. Or do you believe Greg Chappell, a man seeking to blame everyone but himself, who only really seemed to take responsibility for the World Cup campaign after the media had pressured him. A man, who has been full of controversy ever since he became the coach of India. Cricket may be a religion in India, but this ‘Chappell’ is the last place Indians want to be worshipping at right now.