Zaheer: Chappell said I’d never play for him

Veteran India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has added to the claims made by Sachin Tendulkar against former coach Glenn Chappell, saying the mentor told him he'd not play for India while Chappell was in charge.
Tendulkar said in his new book that Chappell was very controlling, and Khan echoed that, saying that when the Australian became coach in 2005 he was told he'd not have a big role in the team.
Khan was out of the Test side between January and December of 2006, playing four Tests that year, and then came back at the end and was active in the side in 2007, the year Chappell left.
Zaheer told PTI: "After he was appointed the coach of the Indian team, he once came upto me and told "Zaheer, you will not be playing for India till I remain the coach.
"I was so taken aback that I couldn't react for some time. I was totally zapped. Like what do I do now? Do I revolt? Do I speak to the captain about what's happening? Do I take his comments at face value? Why is he taking it on me?
"I understood one thing. This man had agendas and was getting personal. He had his set ideas and if you didn't fall in line, then you have to be prepared to fall by the wayside.
"He tried to finish my career but I believe I came back even stronger in South Africa during the end of 2006.
"He had some issues with the senior guys in the team. He tried many ways to stop my comeback into Indian team during the phase when I was out of the team for nearly a year.
"I came to know later that every time when my name was discussed, he (Chappell) would find means to delay my comeback by 3-4 months."
Latest
-
News
Ben Foakes replaced by Sam Billings at Headingley after positive Covid-19 test
Foakes did not take the field on the third afternoon against New Zealand after complaining of back pain.
-
England
Jamie Overton happy to entertain on rollercoaster England Test debut
The pace bowler fell three runs short of a remarkable century at Headingley.
-
England
England have Headingley buzzing again as late burst rocks New Zealand
The tourists will resume on Sunday 137 runs ahead with five wickets down.
-
England
Jamie Overton falls just short of debut century for England in tight third Test
Overton was caught behind for 97 in the morning session.
-
England
Azeem Rafiq attends third day of Headingley Test as guest of Yorkshire
Rafiq enjoyed Saturday’s action from a balcony at the Pavilion End
-
England
Jamie Overton falls just short of debut Test century as England take narrow lead
Newcomer Overton was caught behind for 97.
-
England
George Scrimshaw holds final-over nerves to guide Derbyshire past Lancashire
Scrimshaw successfully defended the 10 runs in the final over.
-
England
Jonny Bairstow and England looking to ‘take the game forward’
Bairstow hit a run-a-ball hundred for the second Test in succession as England fought back spectacularly against New Zealand.
-
England
Jonny Bairstow century leads thrilling England fightback at Headingley
The Yorkshireman made 130 not out and put on 209 with debutant Jamie Overton to rescue his side from 55 for six against New Zealand.
-
England
England top order left in tatters as New Zealand gain upper hand at Headingley
The hosts were 93 for six in reply to New Zealand’s 329 all out.