Calcutta, Oct.21 :    Calcutta, Oct.21:  John Wright appears to have a firm headstart over Greg Chappell, two days ahead of the tradition-breaking national coach-related interviews in Chennai. Board president A.C.Muthiah, secretary Jaywant Lele, former president Raj Singh Dungarpur, National Cricket Academy director Hanumant Singh and former captain Srinivas Venkatraghavan are on the interview-panel. The interviews will be conducted Monday - and the appointment possibly made late that day itself. There were 'whispers' this evening that Chappell may give a walkover by not turning up, but Muthiah's secretary confirmed both former captains will arrive 'late Sunday.' In fact, yesterday, Chappell himself told The Telegraph he would come 'either via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.' Speaking from Perth, though, he had declined to say anything more. As was first reported in these columns (September 10), while Chappell's stature does place him above Wright, his high standing actually is a disadvantage as well. Given the Board's mind-set, where being low-profile seemingly counts for much more ('We don't want another Kapil Dev,' is an immortal quote from a senior functionary), Wright's lack of charisma doesn't make his CV any less impressive. [Reported in these columns August 29.] In any case, the Board is looking for somebody to deliver and, purely as a coach, Wright probably has better credentials. That Kent, specially top gun Lord Colin Cowdrey, think so highly of him has gone down exceedingly well with the Board. Moreover, according to well-placed sources, captain Sourav Ganguly and vice-captain Rahul Dravid - both of whom have interacted with Wright on the County circuit - gave him excellent marks during their recent tete-a-tete with Muthiah. It is understood senior pro Sachin Tendulkar, too, was present but he didn't pass judgement. 'I've only known Wright as a player,' is what Sachin is learnt to have told Muthiah. Incidentally, Chappell remains a Sachin idol. While Chappell's credentials as a player stand out, not everybody is just as unanimous in giving him a perfect-10 as captain, a role which called for top-bracket communication skills. Therefore, not all are convinced Chappell will be the right choice for an assignment which demands exceptional communication ability. While the Board, perhaps, hasn't received much of a feedback from South Australia, Wright's man-management has been praised by everyone contacted by the Board. Lord Cowdrey included. On the face of it, then, another plus for Wright. It has obviously helped that Bobby Simpson, whose advice is respected by the powers-that-be in these parts, has strongly backed Wright publicly. It has helped, too, that in the circles which matter Wright is seen as a progressive coach, somewhat on the lines of a Bob Woolmer. The impression (which could be wrong) about Chappell is that he is a conventional coach. In today's era that isn't a USP. According to one of the well-placed sources, the onus is on Chappell to convince the Board he can deliver. 'The gentlemen on the interview-panel won't take to the session with a closed mind... Yet, Wright has an advantage and, so, it will be up to Chappell to convince them he's the better candidate,' is how he put it. Another elaborated: 'If he is to get the job, Chappell will have to beat Wright on presentation... His ideas, plans to overcome India's shortcomings... Where, for instance, does he see the Indian team a couple of years from now...' The appointment, it is gathered, will initially be for one year. Should the partnership be fruitful, the coach will be given an extension till the 2003 World Cup. Significantly, moves are afoot to 'rehabiliate' stand-in coach Aunshuman Gaekwad. The Board may 'thank' him, for helping out in an hour of crisis (Kapil quitting), by creating a chief talent spotter's post. Something on those lines is still at the drawing board stage but, clearly, is being seriously thought of. The selectors, however, could get a little confused...