Chappell resigns as India coach

Greg Chappell has tendered his resignation as coach of India, just three weeks before his contract was due to expire. India’s below-par performance at this year’s World Cup, culminating in their exit at the hands of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage, no doubt influenced his decision.

His stated reason, however, was for “family and personal reasons.”

“I look forward to continuing my contact with India in the coming years and I wish Indian cricket much joy and success in the future,” said Chappell.

“I am grateful to the players with whom I have worked for the challenges that they presented me with and which I tried to meet in a professional, methodical and interesting way in the interests of the team and the individual.

“I would like to make special mention of my support staff without whom I would not have survived the rigours of the past 22 months.

“Ian Frazer and Greg King deserve special mention for their efforts as do John Gloster, S Ramakrishnan and Ramesh Mane.

“I am particularly grateful for the wonderful support of my family, especially my wife Judy, who has enjoyed the experience as much as I.”

India’s hunt for a new coach will now begin in earnest – there are thought to be no early forerunners for the job.