India let go of the initial advantage before reaching 248 for six at stumps on day two, trailing Australia's first-innings total of 300 all out by 52 runs.
Off-spinner Lyon was the most impressive Australia bowler, returning figures of 4/67 in 28 overs.
"It's his ability to get overspin on the ball and to get that extra bounce if you look at a couple of his wickets that were brought about by bounce, particularly Karun Nair," Chappell told 'ESPNcricinfo'.
The 73-year-old batting great felt India should have been "pro-active" before tea, while lauding Lyon for his spell.
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"I thought that spell where he got the wickets I thought that was a terrific spell from Lyon.
"That's another reason I thought India should have been a bit more pro-active before tea when Lyon wasn't bowling quite as well in that period. He got Australia right back into the game."