I'm sure he can bounce back, maybe not to the great heights he reached before, but bounce back and play an important role Chappell on Tendulkar Tendulkar content with new style

New India coach Greg Chappell is looking forward to presenting Sachin Tendulkar with "some new challenges" in a bid to redefine his role in the team.

Chappell accepts 33-year-old Tendulkar is not quite the force of old, but is confident the master batsman still has much to offer at interantional level.

"He's had some down periods, perhaps had a bit of a crisis about what his role is in the team," Chappell said.

"I need to sit with him and work out where he's at, where he wants to go."

Tendulkar, by his own high standards, has been somewhat out of form in recent times, and last month was forced to fend off criticism about his perceived more cautious batting style.

Speaking to Australian media from New Delhi, Chappell added: "Everyone goes through different phases in their career.

"He's been around for about 15 years and most of those 15 years have been extraordinary.

"Hopefully I can motivate him and present him with some new challenges."

Chappell hold India captain Ganguly (above) in high regard

Right-handed Tendulkar, for so long regarded as the best batsman in the world, has battled elbow problems in the past year and is arguably no longer the best in his own team.

He has a superb Test average of 57.25, with a century coming roughly once every six innings. In the last three years, however, triple figures have been reached in under 10% of his digs.

"I don't think he's ever going to be the player he was," said former Australia batting star Chappell, who was appointed on Friday.

"You change. You're a different person in your 30s compared to when you're an 18-year-old. You just have to learn to play accordingly.

"In many ways you can be better, in many ways you can't be, because you're not as flexible in body and mind as you used to be.

"There are other things going on in his life that he didn't have as a young player. All he needs is to feel welcome, wanted and to have a meaningful role in the team.

"I'm sure he can bounce back, maybe not to the great heights he reached before, but bounce back and play an important role. To work with a player of that quality will be a privilege and an honour."

Chappell revealed he anticipated forging a strong working relationahip with India captain Sourav Ganguly.

"I've worked with Sourav before and I enjoy his company," Chappell said.

"I found him to be likeable and a very nice fellow. It will be good to renew the acquaintance there."