Sourav and I share a strong and mutual respect for each other going back a long time Greg Chappell

Ganguly revealed he was asked to step down as captain prior to last week's first Test, in which he scored 101.

"It is disappointing that what was a private discussion between the captain and myself has become a cause of public speculation," said Chappell.

"Much of what has been written does not represent the discussion fairly."

The Australian admitted they had a "frank discussion about Indian cricket, present and future" but said he had been trying to motivate Ganguly after a run of poor form with the bat.

"In that regard, our exchange was beneficial," he continued.

Chappell, who replaced John Wright as coach in May, insisted he had great respect for Ganguly's achievements as player and captain.

"I look forward to working with him in the future," he added.

Ganguly has been captain since 2000 and has led the team to 20 wins in 48 Tests, an Indian record.

His century in Bulawayo was his first in a Test for almost two years and eased the pressure on him from supporters of Mohammed Kaif, who is next in line for a place in the batting line-up.

Ganguly described Chappell's comments as "fair".

And he said: "When you are a team, these things will happen and these issues will crop up.

"It happens with every team in the world. Today, it was captain and coach, tomorrow it is going to be some other player and the coach or some other player and the captain.

"I think we are professional people. We are mature enough to take these things in our stride and go ahead with our cricket.

"There is no team in the world where everything is right."

The performance of the team since Chappell took over will be reviewed at a meeting in Mumbai on 27 September.

It has been called by board president Ranbir Singh Mahendra, who said: "There is a lot to discuss."