Monday, August 21 2006 11:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: Greg Chappell today (20 Aug, 2006) sought to scotch media reports that he is a strong contender for taking over as Australian coach, saying he is committed to the job with the Indian cricket team and the time has not yet come to review his contract.

"Coaching the Indian team is the biggest challenge in cricket and I have not only stood upto the challenges that comes with this job but also enjoyed," Chappell tells sources.

"I am indeed grateful to receive the affection of the millions of people who follow the game so closely in this country, and the loyalty and commitment shown by skipper Rahul Dravid and other players including seniors like Sachin Tendulkar."

"And I believe that when the time is right, the BCCI and President (Sharad) Pawar will sit down with me and talk about it (his job as Indian coach)," Chappell says reading out from a prepared statement.

Chappell chooses to clarify his position following reports that he is one of the contenders to take over from John Buchanan as the coach of the Australian team after the World Cup.

The 57-year-old former Australian captain is appointed by the BCCI for a two-year term in last May 2005 and a decision on extending the contract will be taken after the World Cup.