PPORT-OF-SPAIN, March 27: Indian coach Greg Chappell has hit back at his critics after his side's exit from World Cup at group stages.India, one of pre-tournament favourites, lost to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as they failed to progress.

Chappell said: “There's nothing more to say than, 'We didn't play well enough'. We didn't perform when time came, that's the long and short of it.

“I don't know what you want me to say. Do you want me to criticise someone in particular? I'm not prepared to.”

Chappell, interviewed by BBC World Service Sport, insisted he was satisfied with his side's preparation ahead of World Cup. “Obviously I'm happy to take some responsibility – I'm the coach.

“But I don't think coaching staff alone should be blamed for what's happened here. I'm happy I've done best job I could do, and so did coaching staff and support staff.

“The planning was good, preparation was good, but execution on the day was not. India haven't won an overseas tournament since 1985. There are obviously some reasons, but I'm not prepared to go into them at this stage.”

Chappell refused to comment on reports that his time coaching India may be at an end.—Agencies