NEW DELHI, Feb 25: Indian coach Greg Chappell showered lavish praise on skipper Rahul Dravid saying India were lucky to have a leader like him. Talking to NDTV, he gave credit to Dravid for metamorphosing India into a winning machine and said he always led from the front.

“Rahul is well endowed with courage. He never asks anyone to do things he couldn’t do himself. His captaincy is improving. We are lucky to have a leader of his qualities,” he said.

About Sachin Tendulkar, Chappell found ‘exaggerated’ talks of demise of the genius ‘amusing’ and suggested the Master blaster was still evolving.

“Sachin’s game has been evolving. He is such a good player and a team man. The wickets he take and runs he make are going to make a big influence on the team.”

On Mahendra Singh Dhoni, he said dashing wicket-keeper/batsman had provided much-needed flexibility to the middle-order.

He complimented youngsters, who helped India maul formidable Pakistan 4-1 in ODIs, and said they are going to make a difference in Tests as well.

“You see what happened in ODI series (in Pakistan). This youthful enthusiasm is going to make difference in the Tests as well.”

Chappell admitted the job of coaching India had not been a smooth riding all the while and he even felt frustrated at times. “It’s been a great experience. It’s been exciting, challenging and frustrating. I had highs and I had lows. But it’s been an honour to coach a great cricketing nation like India.”—Agencies