Chappell enjoying stint, remains non-comittal on Oz offer

Colombo, Aug 20 (UNI) Team India coach Greg Chappell remained non-committal on his prospects of taking over the reins from John Buchanan as the next Australian coach after the World Cup in the West Indies.

Chappell read out a statement here today, in which he said he was enjoying his stint with Team India and believes BCCI President Sharad Pawar would discuss his fate ''when the time is ripe''.

Chappell, however, didn't entertain any query on the matter.

The former Australian captain is tipped to take over from Buchanan and incidentally hisn contract with BCCI also expires with next year's World Cup.

Cricket Australia Director and former captain Allan Border recently has announced that along with Tom Moody, Tim Nielsen and Dav Whatmore, Chappell was also in the running forn the job.

Chappell on his part skirted a direct explanation and said, ''As you know about the bstory doing the rounds regarding my taking over as the new Australian coach, I just want to tell that coaching India is possibly the biggest challenge ever and I'm enjoying it, despite the challenges and the expectations of the billions of followers.

''I'm grateful for the overwhelming affection showered on me by the people of India and I am enjoying the trust, loyalty and belief of the Team India and it's wonder captain Rahul Dravid,'' he added.

He also cited the names of senior players like Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble and said it was a quite challenging, yet satisfying job. On his fate after the current contract expires, Chappell was completyely evasive and said ''I believe when the time is ripe, Mr Pawar and his side would talk to me and discuss the matter.'' More UNI AY DH PC1759