Perceived as a hard-boiled, tough-talking coach whose stint
with the Indian team was marked by controversy, the other side of Greg Chappell's
persona came to the fore as the Australian talked about his sense of attachment
with the side even though he is not in charge anymore.
Back in the country to take charge of the Jaipur Academy run by the Rajasthan
Cricket Association, Chappell said his heart leapt in joy when
Mahendr Singh Dhoni and his teammates lifted the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup.
Chappell admitted he could not see most of the Twenty20 matches
from South Africa because of the odd broadcast time but said he did watch the
final between India and Pakistan.
"I, along with most of the Indian supporters, was very
excited to see India win that game, and to see the joy on the faces of the players,
many of whom I have interacted over the years," Chappell said.
Chappell had a tumultuous two-year association with the side
before he made an unceremonious exit but the Australian hinted the time he spent
here is something he keeps close to his heart.
"It's hard to remove oneself from it and I don't want to remove myself
from it. It's an experience that I had and it's an experience most of which
I enjoyed," he told 'Headlines Today'.
Chappell admitted it was not all hunky-dory all along but then
he had good times too, he insisted.
"People tend to focus on the negatives but much of it
was very exciting and much of it was very successful. And to see the boys enjoying
themselves in Johannesburg allowed me to go to bed in the early hours of the
morning very happy.
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