New Delhi, June 27: Former India coach Greg Chappell has hailed the appointment of Anil Kumble by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as India's head coach.

The 67-year-old former Australia captain, in an editorial for The Hindu, praised the legendary Indian spinner's (Kumble's) temperament and dedication towards cricket and that makes him the perfect choice for the post.

Chappell, who became the coach of the Indian cricket team in 2005, also lauded Kumble's compatriot Rahul Dravid for his selfless attitude while playing for India.

"If they (Kumble and Dravid) had been blessed to have been surrounded by other selfless individuals whose only aim was to serve the team, the Indian teams in which they played would have been impossible to beat," he wrote.

Chappell, however, slammed the attidude of other key Indian players during his tenure as India coach for taking short-cuts and possessing casual approach towards game.

"Indian cricket has never reached the heights that it should because it has relied too much on natural ability and flair rather than diligent preparation. Too often in the past, Indian teams have tried to take short-cuts rather than work hard so any success has been fleeting," he further added.

Chappell's comments are apparent digs at attitude of legendary Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman.

In his book Playing It My Way: My Autobiography, Tendulkar had alleged that Greg Chappell had suggested him to take over as the captain from Rahul Dravid and through it they could dominate Indian cricket for years.

OneIndia News