“This will be my first experience with Anil bhai (Anil Kumble)”. Kumble has had a short stint as NCA chairman but quit citing differences in vision.
Advertisement
We can put together a proper plan for the next three years.
Former skipper Ravi Shastri, who was also in the frame for the coach’s post, had assumed coaching duties from 2014 until the recent World Twenty20 as team director. It’s a new job, a new role for me and there’s an existing set of players there. Test captain Virat Kohli was vocal in his support for Shastri and talked about how he brought fresh ideas and energy into the team with his know-how on the proceedings of the game. “Please continue your support to the Indian team”. I certainly believe that as a coach of a young team, you need to be hands-on and you need to really get your hands dirty as well – train with them, be a part of their training.
India have been without a head coach since Duncan Fletcher left after the 2015 World Cup.
“It is not about an Indian or a foreign coach, it is about best coach for India.”
Kumble retired as India’s highest Test wicket-taker, and the third-highest overall, with 619 wickets.
After the T20 tournament, where Shastri guided India to the semi-finals, the BCCI advertised the position for a full-time head coach.
This appointment also saw – for the first time in history – a transparent process being adopted for the aforementioned selection as a separate notification for the job was released and the interested people were invited to apply, subject to certain terms and conditions. “I think he is doing a very good job and he can continue”. They have lost test series in South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia on tours since late 2013, something Kumble wants to rectify. “This is a new career opportunity for children, if they are not able to make a career in cricket or other sports, they can go ahead in life through sports management”.
Shastri, though disappointed at missing out, maintained a stoic demeanor while commenting about the issue.
A panel comprising former players Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly made the decision to appoint Kumble after an 18-month search.
Advertisement
He further added, “It’s time to move on and do what you do best. I had a long chat with the family, my wife and kids, and it was a major decision”, said Anil Kumble. He didn’t say no, but said that he will work for the junior team. I believe this team has the potential. But, intriguingly, during the interview, in which Kumble did most of the talking, Shastri did not ask the expected “what next” question.
