Chappell attacks Ganguly as 'unfit'

Chappell said Ganguly had created divisions within the Indian team and lost the respect of the younger players, Indian newspapers reported.

Ranbir Mahendra, president of the Indian cricket board, confirmed receiving an email from Chappell, but refused to discuss its contents saying the communication was confidential.

Chappell is reported to have sent a six-page report to the board stating that Ganguly appeared desperate to retain the Indian captaincy and he would not be the ideal choice to lead India in the 2007 World Cup.

Other reports suggested that Chappell had made several observations about Ganguly, suggesting that his leadership commanded almost no faith or respect from team members, that he complained mostly of imaginary injuries and did not follow the fitness regime designed for him.

Chappell's email to the board followed India's 2-0 Test series win against Zimbabwe - its first series triumph outside the subcontinent in 19 years.

After winning the first Test match last week, Ganguly said he had been asked to quit ahead of the series because of his poor batting form. He scored a century in the first Test before he made the disclosure, which Chappell later said amounted to dressing room discussion entering the public domain.