I never feared for my life: Chappell

New Delhi: Former India coach Greg Chappell has said that media reports in Australia that he feared for his life following the loss to Bangladesh at the World Cup are not correct.

"I never made that statement and nor did I feel that my life was in danger at any time during my stay in India," Chappell said.

Chappell also requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India to issue a press statement on his behalf to clarify on the media reports.

The 58-year-old Australian has also hinted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) bid to bring him as a consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore may not materialise and he might join the Australian Cricket Academy as its head coach.

According to Australian media reports, Chappell is a clear favourite to succeed Tim Nielsen, who leaves the job to take over the Australian team's reins from John Buchanan after the World Cup.

Chappell, however, kept the cards close to his chest and said he would reveal his future plans within three weeks.

"I am not making decisions yet but after a while I will look at the options," he said.

Chappell said over the next few days, he would be visiting friends and family in Canberra and Adelaide before deciding his future.

"I just want some time away from it all," he said in what is probably his first interview to the Australian media after returning from India.

"We are just going to spend some time catching up with family all around the country and then we will work out what happens."

Chappell's nearly two-year association with the Indian team snapped after the side's disastrous World Cup campaign, which saw them make a shocking first round exit.

After the World Cup disaster, Chappell decided not to seek an extension of his contract with the Indian team but the BCCI reportedly offered the former Australian captain a consultant's job at the NCA.

Chappell, meanwhile, asserted that his troubled tenure with the Indian team has not turned him off coaching.

"I don't feel (cheesed off), not at all," said the Australian, who is in Brisbane on a "private family business".

He also criticised the Indian media for exaggerating his medical check-up in Mumbai.

"It was just a minor thing that they obviously made into something bigger," Chappell said.

"The health is fine, there is no drama other than what the media made of it. I just had some tests done to make sure I was in good health to fly and come back to Australia."

Talking about World Cup, Chappell felt with India and Pakistan already out of competition, Ricky Ponting's men looked a clear favourite.

"Australia is my tip," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)