Greg Chappell formally took over as coach of the Indian cricket team, saying he would evolve a simple coaching format for the side which would focus on doing the basics "extraordinarily well".
The former Australian captain, who took over the reins on a two-year term, said he would work out a strategy to suit the Indian mindset while expressing the desire to play a part in selection matters, a role which his predecessors did not enjoy.
"We have to be focussed on doing the basic things extraordinarily well... That (the strategy) will change from day-to-day, series-to-series and country-to country", Chappell said in his first media conference after taking charge.
"Each country has different wickets, different methods to the game to be successful. In some countries, fast bowlers are the best weapon; in some other countries, spinners are the best weapon," he said.
The 56-year-old former batsman made it clear that he would not try to replicate the Australian way of playing the game but evolve a strategy to suit the Indians.
"Every country and every culture is different. Every country has different personalities; each individual is a different personality. You can't transplant one format that works in one country in another country and expect it to work exactly the same," he said.
Chappell said he was keen to have a say in selection matters and would discuss the issue with the Board.
"I have got an open mind about that; I don't have a particularly firm view," said Chappell, who was an Australian selector in the past.
Chappell said sitting down with the selectors or being in the selection panel would give him an opportunity to discuss his "philosophy" with those in the panel. "I am just looking forward to meeting and discussing with the BCCI and how they want to have things pan out," he said.
Drawing positives from the absence of Sachin Tendulkar due to an elbow surgery, Chappell said it would give chance to an up and coming player to prove his worth at the highest level.
"It might be an opportunity for someone else who comes up as the next champion cricketer for India. So, it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise," he said.
Chappell hastened to add: "Don't twist my words. I am not saying that it's a good thing that Sachin is injured. All I am saying is Sachin is injured; with that one has to make the most of the opportunity."
Asked if Tendulkar's injury is a matter of concern, he said: "More of a concern to Sachin, I am sure. He obviously wants to get fit. Nothing that we can do about that. Best thing that can happen to Sachin and Indian cricket is he gets fit. That's a process that will take so many weeks.
"In the meantime, we still got a job to do. We will do the best job we can with the available talent."
Chappell said appointing a bowling coach was not a priority for the team at the moment, but he would consider availing the services of experts in different areas in future.
"If we need a bowling coach, I am happy to have a bowling coach... It's not something that I see as a top priority right at this moment.
"I have no problems with using different experts from different fields at different times," he added.
Advertisement
PTI
