Sachin is a great player: Chappell

Greg Chappell, coach of the Indian cricket team, is not unduly worried about the batting form of Sachin Tendulkar, who scored a dismal 12 runs in the first match of the Challenger Series in Mohali on Monday.

The master blaster was playing his first cricket match since April 19 this year when he was advised rest due to his tennis elbow injury.

"Sachin Tendulkar is a great player and one should not be unduly worried about one single performance. This was his first match after a lay off for more than six months and one should not jump to hasty conclusions," Chappell told rediff.com after the match, which was won by India A, who defeated India Seniors in a nail biting finish.

"I am thrilled with the nail biting finish because we have seen a lot of promising youngsters in action. I wish the other matches also go that way," Chappell said.

Sachin Tendulkar too did not look despondent after the match. Cheerful as ever, Sachin said that he is looking forward for the second match on Tuesday night. "I have to go back and rest and hence talking to you would not be possible tonight. I have to come back and bat again tomorrow," he said as he boarded his bus back to his hotel.

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Before the match little master had said that there was no pressure on him and his injury had healed nicely and should be able to play to his full potential.

In the absence of the Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, coach seemed to be well in command of the Indian team. All senior players were focused when he spoke to them during the match or afterwards.

He engaged Harbhajan Singh in a conversation while India Seniors were batting.

The two were seen chatting in front of the player's dressing room as they watched the game.

Bhajji had launched an attack on Chappell saying that he (Chappell) was making senior players feel insecure, while defending Ganguly.

Chappell also had long discussions with Mohammad Kaif, captain of the India Seniors, after the match before he went for the customary press conference.

"The coach is telling Kaif what to say during his interaction with the media persons," a senior player told rediff.com.