Chappell appointed India's cricket coach

NDTV: "Former Australian Captain Greg Chappell has been appointed as the new coach of the Indian cricket team. The decision was announced by Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) President Ranbir Singh Mahendra at a press conference. He has been given a two-year contract. Chappell was unanimously selected after an hour-long presentation to the six-member selection committee of the BCCI.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath who had been short-listed as one of the candidates for the post wished the new coach all the best.

Chappell was part of the Australian test team of the Century and has his own coaching website. He has also written books on health, diet and fitness and now he is the new coach of the Indian cricket team. Chappell has been as prolific in his days of retirement as he was stylish in his playing days. And ultimately it is this ability to go beyond the boundary that has swung him his latest assignment. The former Australian captain's stint with coaching only started in 1998. And as with his playing career, Chappell had a successful start to his coaching career.

The 56-year-old helped South Australia to two consecutive Sheffield shield titles in 1998 and 1999. It was his reputation as a great motivator that had prompted the BCCI to approach him in 2000 but John Wright got the job. It was better late than never though for Chappell who comes from a famous cricket family. His grandfather and two brothers Ian and Trevor have all played test cricket for Australia.

Greg started his career on high note making a century on debut. Infact he also ended his test career with a 100. His prolific run-making led to him being named one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year in 1972 and being inducted into Australia's cricket hall of fame 3 years ago. The 56-year-old has had his share of controversy as well. In 1981, he ordered his younger brother Trevor to bowl the final ball of a one-day match under-arm against New Zealand to prevent them from hitting the six runs needed for victory.

20 years later, he says he would not recommend the same course of action to any team he coaches. In fact, most of Chappell's coaching experience has been at a domestic level with South Australia, but he has worked as a consultant at Pakistan's National Academy. And as his website says Chappell might just be the man to actually take Indian cricket back to the future."