Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shed light on why Greg Chappell's strict coaching style did not align with Indian cricketing culture. Chappell's stint as India's head coach remains one of the most debated chapters in the team's history.
He found himself at the centre of controversy following a public fallout with former captain Sourav Ganguly, which eventually led to Ganguly's removal from the side and sparked widespread criticism. While Irfan's career gained momentum during Chappell's tenure, he was still not a regular fixture in the playing XI.
The left-hander admitted that while Chappell's intentions were right, his attempt to introduce an Australian-style culture did not suit the Indian team. He noted that Chappell wanted the players to play hard cricket without paying much attention to their backgrounds. Irfan also reflected on his county stint, where he learned the importance of blending in with others and adapting to the team environment.