The Background:
Anil Kumble’s acrimonious exit has caused quite a stir among the cricket fraternity. Apart from being one of the legends of the game, Kumble also had a very fruitful spell with the team since taking the charge in June last year.
Under him, India reached the pinnacle of the ICC Test rankings, after winning series against West Indies, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia at home. He also guided the team to the limited-over series win over New Zealand and England in addition to the runners-up finish in the just-concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
However, Kumble decided to part ways with the team after being informed of Virat Kohli’s reservations over his style of functioning. And while Kumble made things clear from his side on what promoted him to take the drastic step, Virat Kohli has remained quiet on the whole matter despite being the subject of severe criticism from several former cricketers.
Read More: (Former captain bashes BCCI for not handling Kumble-Kohli fiasco well)
(Former India legend feels Virat Kohli is the boss on the field)
The Story:
With Kumble stepping down earlier than expected, the BCCI has extended the deadline to apply for the post of head coach until July 9. And while the board is facing the backlash from many including the Committee of Administrators for re-opening the process, many think that the decision has been taken on Kohli’s insistence.
Although the board has denied all the allegations and has reiterated that the skipper will play no part in the selection of the new coach, Ravi Shastri applying for the head coach has raised a lot of eyebrows. Kohli’s liking for Shastri is well known in the cricketing circles and many feel that the deadline extension was done to pave the way for the former team director to throw his hat in the ring.
(READ: CoA Not Impressed With BCCI’s Deadline Extension For Application Of Head Coach’s Post)
However, Virat Kohli, who is currently in West Indies for the limited-overs series, has insisted that he along with his teammates is just focusing on the series, clearly denying his involvement in the coach-selection process.
“Right now we have a series at hand. This is what we are focused on right now. The process is taking place and that is something in the control of the BCCI. The process has always been in place and we as a team are focusing on this series right now. Our priority is coming here and winning this series and preparing for the series that lie ahead of us,” he said ahead of the third ODI at Antigua.
He also said that the players including him give suggestions only when they are asked to do so by the BCCI.
“Contrary to popular perception, we as a team only voice our opinions when asked by the BCCI to give suggestions, so that is something we’ve always done, going through it as a process. That’s something we respect as a team. It is not like segregation of anything. We respect that process and procedure and if and when it takes place then we’ll give our suggestions to the BCCI,” added the India skipper.
Team India, meanwhile, is leading the five-match series 1-0 and would look to take an unassailable lead when they come to play the third match on Friday (June 30). The first ODI was washed out.
Also Read: (India’s predicted eleven for the 3rd ODI against West Indies)