Only Twenty20 for Chappell now… for the rest, ‘no comments’

This, coming from the man who once unflinchingly devoted himself to print and the electronic media, allowing his views on Indian cricket to generate hot debates, is surprising. To meet the 59-year-old and not hear him say a thing on India’s stint over the last one year is startling.

Since Chappell resigned, post the 2007 World Cup debacle, India have gone ahead and recorded victories on tours of Bangladesh and England. They became the Twenty20 world champions, defeated Pakistan at home and on Tuesday won the Commonwealth Bank tri-series, defeating Australia in back-to-back finals.

Here and now

Ask him what he has to say about the Indian team’s recent victories and he replies: “Please ask me only about my current work.”

Chappell’s current job is that of a coaching director in the Jaipur-based academy — Cricket Star — which has a tie-up with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

Along with buddy Ian Frazer, the former Australian captain is now expected to conduct selection trials and pick talent that will receive training at the academy.

Those selected will play against the Jaipur IPL Team Rajasthan Royals and Chappell will focus on a talent-hunt programme to discover the next Twenty20 cricketer from the country.

“A lot of changes are taking place in the cricket world with the advent of T20. We will choose 24 players who will have a camp from March 21 till the end of the month to help in developing those players’ skills. There is no exact science in player development. It is up to the individuals selected to develop themselves,” Chappell says.

That is as much as one can get him to talk. Ask him if he believes Team India have finally succeeded in sorting out the basics the way he advocated — rest seniors, give youngsters a chance, shift slots in the batting order, bench Ganguly — it is “no comments” once again.