Chappell plays down Ganguly issue

Greg Chappell says that Sourav Ganguly's role in the series will be decided by performance © Getty Images

Greg Chappell, India's coach, says he has no differences with Sourav Ganguly and the matter of including him in the playing XI for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan would be a purely cricketing decision.

"Sourav [Ganguly] is part of touring squad but we will decide after the lead up game what will be the best eleven for the Test," Chappell told PTI. "He is one of those players I don't have any difference with. He understands and I understand what is required of all the players and as a group the focus remains on commitment to excellence. The players understand what is expected of them and Ganguly is no different."

Commenting on the captaincy of Rahul Dravid, Chappell said he had found Dravid a strong competitor. "He is learning very quickly but we all need to understand that captaincy is a tough job and you learn with every game," he said. "A captain needs to be strong, have confidence in himself and be courageous to take decisions at all stages of the game. Dravid has the talent to be one of the best captains India have ever produced, also because he has a very good cricketing brain. Dravid is a quiet but strong character and I think the players respect him."

Ganguly will join the India squad tomorrow with three others -- Virender Sehwag, Anil Kumble and Parthiv Patel -- as they all took part in Ranji Trophy domestic matches.