Irfan Pathan reveals confronting Greg Chappell, exposes him for threatening and abusing players

Greg Chappell’s stint as India’s head coach remains one of the most debated and controversial chapters in Indian cricket history. Greg Chappell’s methods, strict discipline, and no-nonsense approach were very different from what Indian players had been used to.

However, Irfan Pathan’s career took off during the stint of the legendary Australian cricketer. Chappell promoted Irfan Pathan in the batting order and even encouraged the left-arm pacer to expand his spells, but the Indian dressing room atmosphere was tense.

Irfan Pathan recalls how Greg Chappell’s warnings created insecurity in Team India

Recalling his stint, Pathan said that Chappell’s equal treatment of seniors and juniors sounded fair on paper, but he caused insecurity in the dressing room with his repeated warnings of dropping players after failure.

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Pathan revealed that he even tried to explain to Chappell that the Indian players didn’t need constant reminders about losing their place because of poor performances.

The former all-rounder felt the Aussie’s approach didn’t fit the Indian cricket culture, where communication and trust mattered most.

Irfan Pathan showed a mirror to Greg Chappell!!

Irfan Pathan was quoted as saying by The Lallantop, “He had his way of treating seniors and juniors with the same respect. But in that, he would be a bit more aggressive than one would like. He would tell anyone that if they don't perform, they will be dropped. I realized it was too aggressive, and once I talked to him privately about it.”

Pathan further noted, “I told him that we already know what you keep saying about being dropped. You don't need to tell us. It is causing insecurity in the team. He looked at me for a while, got a bit upset, and threw some choice words, but then he realized I was right.”

Irfan Pathan highlights the importance of cultural acceptance for coaches

He also highlighted how crucial it is for a coach to understand and embrace the culture of the team he is leading. He explained that no matter how strong a coach’s ideas or methods may be, they will not succeed if they are imposed without respecting the players’ environment and upbringing.

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The commentator said that a foreign coach must adapt to the team’s culture first, instead of expecting players to adjust overnight. Pathan has suggested that if he himself were to coach in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or England, the only way players would accept him is if he first accepted their culture.

Pathan pointed out that Greg Chappell wanted the Indian cricket team to adopt an Australian style, but the execution lacked sensitivity. He recalled his stint with Middlesex in county cricket, where he learned the value of adapting to different cultures.

Irfan Pathan says Greg Chappell failed to blend into Indian cricket culture

The former Indian star has stressed that Chappell’s inability to adapt to Indian culture cost him the chance of being remembered as one of the best coaches the game has ever seen.

Pathan signed off by saying, “I played for the Middlesex County club. You play a four-day match, and then you drive the next day. They gather everyone in a bar before the match. I don't drink, but I need to accept their culture. You are a part of the team, and you need to blend in. If Chappell hadn't missed that one thing, he would've been one of the best coaches.”