Colombo, Aug. 20: Indian coach Greg Chappell on Sunday categorically dismissed any suggestions that he was in touch with Cricket Australia for his future prospects.

"I am totally focused and totally committed to my present job, i.e., coaching the Indian team. Coaching India is the biggest challenge in cricket and I have not only stood up to the challenges that come with this job but also enjoyed them," Chappell told reporters here.

"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 our wonderful skipper Rahul Dravid and legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble. And I believe that when the time is right, the BCCI president (Sharad) Pawar will sit down with me and talk about it," Team India coach said.

Chappell is a strong candidate to take over from current coach John Buchanan after the 2007 World Cup had been hinted by Cricket Australia director and former captain Allan Border.

Meanwhile, Inclement weather has spoilt the Unitech Cup ODI series between India and Sri Lanka and Chappell like all others is frustrated. "It has been very frustrating. I have tried to keep the boys engaged. Weather is something you don’t have control over," he said.

India came here with an idea to try a new opening combination. But Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar got only 3.4 overs of play. Asked whether it might upset the plan, the coach answered in the negative. "We have some plans going with this combination. We will assess it in the series to come. It would have been better to get the opportunity to try the combination here. Then again, we will play lots of matches in near future. Also it would have been good for the team to get a chance to play against Sri Lanka in their lair."

The team management is yet to decide whether to hold another camp at home before the tri-series in Malaysia or to arrange the camp after going there. "There has been a camp recently. We have to consider every aspect before taking a decision," Chappell said.

He also did not think that the jinxed series would affect Sachin Tendulkar’s rhythm despite the fact that he came from a layoff and was eager to take field. "He has been here long enough to handle such situations," Chappell said.

He was cautious in his assessment on South Africa’s pull out from the tournament. "It is their decision. However, we have been here and wanted to play cricket," he concluded.