Anil Kumble Issues His Final Statement For Team India After Stepping Down As Indian Coach
While the media and fans speculating on the current equation between team India head coach Anil Kumble and captain Virat Kohli, as a sudden for everyone’s surprise, the former India captain Anil Kumble himself stepped down as the head coach of the team yesterday evening.
This flash news went viral like a wildfire yesterday surprising the entire cricket fraternity. And for everyone’s surprise, this was on the same day as Kumble was supposed to fly with the squad to the West Indies where they play the next series.
As per reports, the Indian team reached the Caribbean but the coach stayed back since he had to attend an ICC meeting. As he is the chairman of the Cricket Committee in-charge that takes a call on laws and regulations of the game.
Virat Kohli, the skipper made it clear that his relationship with the coach has reached a dead end. This happened when Virat and Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising – Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman had a meeting after ICC Champions Trophy final match against Pakistan.
After a lot of disagreement between players, Kumble finally stepped down as head coach for Indian Cricket Team. However, soon after, the news emerged that Kumble who was earlier seeking an extended term had stepped down.
Even the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed it while stating that they were advised by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) to give Kumble an extension while the latter decided to no longer continue.
In his statement, India’s most successful spinner and former India’s Captain said that it was an honor for him to be appointed the head coach and that he relished this opportunity and credited the Captain and the entire team for the success during his tenure.
Anil Kumble in his statement said:
I am honoured 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 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 and fans of Indian cricket for their continued support. I will remain a well-wisher of the great cricketing tradition of my country forever.
-Anil Kumble
He clearly said that Kohli had a problem with his coaching style, which is why he decided to give up on his position and move on. Even BCCI tried intervening and sorting out issues, but according to Kumble, moving on was the best option.
We had recently heard strong rumors that there is a major rift between the captain and the coach which has led to Kumble’s contract not getting extended after the Champions Trophy.
Though it is still unclear about the reasons behind this, rumor had it that the two didn’t share the same wavelength on including young chinaman Kuldeep Yadav in the India-Australia series. Also, in another news, it was said that even the BCCI officials have problems with Kumble since he asked for an unjustified raise for himself and the team all of sudden.
However, people had their own doubts; here’s how they reacted…
Can’t judge!
Like I said, very difficult to say until statement/details from both sides are known. One man’s criticism could be another man’s spitefuless