The Board of Control for Cricket in India has never been known to make timely decisions. At the slightest pretext, things will be put off. The matter of selecting a foreign coach has suffered the same fate. Two of the three candidates in the running - Greg Chappell and John Wright were interviewed by a panel of experts at the Radisson Hotel in Chennai yesterday. The third candidate, Australia's Geoff Marsh is due to be subjected to the same exercise in a few days' time.

After a cordial session over lunch, the rivals Australian batting great Chappell and New Zealand's John Wright adjourned to their hotel rooms. The panel consisted of BCCI President AC Muthiah, Board secretary Jaywant Lele, National Cricket Academy Director Hanumant Singh, former BCCI President and Chairman of the NCA Committee Raj Singh Dungarpur and erstwhile Indian captain and currently ICC panel umpire Srinivas Venkataraghavan. A rather varied group, given the task at hand. While Venkat, Dungarpur and Hanumant Singh seem to be in the panel for their cricketing merit, one feels that it was Muthiah and Lele who would have been the key players behind closed doors.

The profiles of the three candidates have several similar features. Success in their playing days, moderate success as coaches and a keen involvement in cricket. While Chappell has star value in his favour, Wright would probably demand a lesser fee. Marsh remains the dark horse. After pulling out of the fray, Marsh recently stated that he was once again interested in coaching India. He was earlier almost ruled out because his financial terms were too high. His re-entering the fray is being construed as a sign that he is willing to negotiate terms.

Sitting at the lobby and watching Wright and Chappell emerging, certain signs were clear for all to see. Although one cannot draw too much from circumstantial evidence, one cannot also turn a blind eye to the same. Emerging from his session with the panel, Chappell was at his relaxed best. He sat with the few pressmen remaining at the hotel and answered queries that did not relate directly to his possible appointment as coach. In comparison, Wright came out of the meeting and made a beeline for his room. He did not even pause a moment for a photo opportunity.

Shortly after, both candidates refused to talk to the press any further. The kind of pressure and attention the media heaps on its players, and to an extent its coach, is unparalleled. Handling this factor well will be a crucial part of successfully coaching India. Chappell certainly won that round of the bout.

If the BCCI is having Marsh over for another round of talks one can only believe that they are considering opening up their rich coffers a bit more. The officials that make up the core of the BCCI are past masters at the money game. Muthiah himself is a successful industrialist and is known to be a shrewd businessman. This being the case, the BCCI could well settle for the Chappell as a compromise candidate. He is a big enough name in cricket circles and yet should not cost as much as Marsh. When Marsh does arrive in India, one question will settle the issue. Can he come down to Chappell's price?

Having said all this, one must remember the number of surprises, even shockers, the BCCI has pulled off when it comes to selection matters. Speculation is dangerous at best. In this day and age, betting much more so. But throwing caution to the wind, and being partial to a wager, my money is on Gregory Stephen Chappell.

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