The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the news of Anil Kumble stepping down as the Head Coach of the Indian cricket team. While the news came a few hours ago, BCCI made it official via a press release just a few minutes back.
In the release, it has been clearly mentioned that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of BCCI had offered Kumble an extension for the tour to West Indies, which he rejected.
Amitabh Choudhary, the acting President of BCCI, congratulated Anil Kumble for his achievement and 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 endeavour.”
It has been learnt that Virat Kohli met the members of CAC and Amitabh Choudhary a day ahead of the final of ICC Champions Trophy, to discuss regarding the new head coach of the side where he clearly stated that he do not want an extension for Kumble. Though Kumble was earlier given an extension for the West Indies series.
Kumble didn’t travel with team India for the tour to West Indies series, owing to ICC meeting in London and the news of him quitting the job came on the same day. As per reports, after Kohli met CAC a day ahead of finals, the three-member committee didn’t contact Kumble thereafter.
Anil Kumble ends up his stint with the Indian team as one of the best coaches as under him, India lost just one Test match of 17 five day games the team played. In fact, India won all the bilateral series, barring T20I series against West Indies in the USA, due to the main reason that the second T20I game was washed out. Though team India couldn’t retain the Champions Trophy title but put in great efforts to reach the final of the Mini World Cup.
Meanwhile, there are reports of team India going to West Indies without a Head coach as the board has announced that Sanjay Bangar and R Sridhar will continue their job. Though nothing was mentioned regarding the Chief coach.