Anil Kumble Steps Down As Indian Cricket Team Coach:- Amid speculations of rift between Team India Skipper Virat Kohli and Coach Anil Kumble, the latter has decided to step down from his position saying “the partnership with Kohli was unreasonable.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), confirmed the news which stated that Kumble withdrew his services from the Head Coach post for the Senior India Men’s team.
The BCCI release said “While the Cricket Advisory Committee had endorsed an extension to his tenure as Head Coach, Mr Anil Kumble has decided not to continue as the coach.”
Last year, Kumble who replaced Team India Director Ravi Shastri, posted a statement on Twitter, following his resignation from the head coach post yesterday.
Acting secretary of the BCCI, Amitabh Choudhary, said, “We wish to place on record our sincere appreciation for the immense contribution by Anil Kumble to the team which enabled India to attain the No.1 Test position. Indian cricket needs his continued contribution in various capacities and wishes him all the best in his future endeavor.” “We will continue to seek the assistance of the Cricket Advisory Committee in its search for a new Head Coach for the India men’s cricket team,” the BCCI added.
In the meantime, to supervise the Team Management for the West Indies tour, the BCCI has assigned MV Sridhar, GM - Cricket Operations. “Sanjay Bangar, batting coach and R Sridhar, fielding coach, will continue their assignments and assist the Indian team.”
Here is the text of Kumble’s statement:
Thank you! pic.twitter.com/eF5qVzdBRj
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 20, 2017
I am honored by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC, in asking me to continue as Head Coach. The credit for the achievements of the last one year goes to the Captain, the entire team, coaching and support staff.”
Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday by the BCCI that the Captain had reservations with my ‘style’ and about my continuing as the Head Coach. I was surprised since I had always respected the the role boundaries between Captain and Coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the Captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and I therefore believe it is best for me to move on.
Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views are the key traits I bring to the table. These need to be valued for the partnership to be effective. I see the Coach’s role akin to ‘holding a mirror’ to drive self-improvement in the team’s interest.
In light of these ‘reservations’, I believe it is best I hand over this responsibility to whomever the CAC and BCCI deem fit.
Let me reiterate that it has been an absolute privilege to have served as Head Coach for the last one year. I thank the CAC, BCCI, CoA and all concerned.
I also wish to thank the innumerable followers of Indian cricket for their continued support. I will remain a well-wisher of the great cricketing tradition of my country forever.
- Anil Kumble
Former Test off-spinner Arshad Ayub said that it is unfortunate that Kumble had surrendered the post. “He is a no-nonsense man. He has done well as Indian coach,” he said.
Since the team landed in England, there have been simmering differences between Kumble and Kohli. The resignation now comes following India’s humiliating loss to Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy in London. The BCCI would now be waiting for other applications for the coach’s post now. Tom Moody, Richard Pybus, Virender Sehwag and Lalchand Rajput, are among others, are in the race.
SUPRAJA
