Pawar gives Chappell his backing

Business as usual: Greg Chappell oversees a net session at Newlands © AFP

Greg Chappell, India's under-fire coach, has been given a vote of confidence by Sharad Pawar, the board president.

Chappell, whose two-year contract expires next April, has been subjected to widespread criticism in the Indian media after recent one-day reverses, but Pawar said that there "was no question of sacking him".

Pawar continued: "It's true that the performance [against South Africa] was not up to the mark and there is tremendous scope to improve. But one should not forget it is the same team, the same captain and the same coach which had extremely good results in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

"The contract is there and there is no reason to interfere in it."

Chappell remained philosophical about the media attention. "Nobody likes being criticised and we are no different, and the boys are keen to perform to a level which would make the press and the fans back home happy," he said. "The last few months have been frustrating because of interruptions by rain and only six of the last 13 games have been free from hold-ups.

"Hopefully, from now until the next World Cup, the boys would be able to acquire as much momentum and confidence as possible."