In his autobiography Fierce Focus Chappel says the only player for whom he has only admiration is current skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The Australian feels Dhoni broke down a "hierarchical" system in the team by becoming the voice of young players.

Chappell, whose two year stint from 2005 to 2007 was marred by several controversies including the infamous public spat with then skipper Ganguly, recalls how Dhoni rose in stature in the side.

Writing in his autobiography Fierce Focus, Chappell said such was hierarchy in the team that youngsters were petrified of speaking before a senior such as Sachin Tendulkar at team meetings.