JAIPUR: Former India coach Greg Chappell says fitness is a must to meet the challenges posed by modern cricket and supplement natural talent or 'god-gifted' skills.

Chappell said modern cricket demanded a far greater degree of fitness than it was needed in earlier days.

"The 'God-Gift' and natural talent may take you to heights but you may fall faster if you are not fit. To survive in modern cricket you have to be fit," Chappell said.

Asked about players like legendary spinner Shane Warne, who showed unwillingness towards fitness mantras prescribed by then Australian coach John Buchanan, Chappell said the burly tweaker was not 'unfit'.

"Let me make it clear that it is a wrong notion that Shane Warne was unfit. He was absolutely fit. Had he not been fit he could not have gone so far. He bowled long spells and also stood in the field, took wickets in heaps.

"How he could have done that if he was not fit? I feel he was rebellious by nature and that gave rise to such beliefs. The batsmen and spinners can carry on if they are less fit but for pace bowlers absolute fitness is a must," he said.

On several stars who were reluctant to suggestions and wanted to have their own way, Chappell said beyond a certain point there could be no compromise.

"Cricket is changing fast and one has to have an open mind to take new suggestions and ideas. Here can be no compromise if someone refuses to have an open mind. There can be no compromise after a certain point."

Asked if this stubbornness was an advantage in some cases, Chappell said "Yes, stubbornness works to an advantage but in the interest of team and group it can't be allowed to go too far."

Source : PTI