Anil Kumble was appointed as new Indian cricket team coach by BCCI. The Board of Control for Cricket in India president Anurag Thakur made the announcement in Dharamsala today on the sidelines of the Board’s Working Committee meeting. His name was recommended by cricket advisory committee members Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman. He will take over the role for a period of one year.
India’s former leg-spinner is very much delighted to get this new responsibility. “It’s a huge responsibility. I am ready to take this role. Coaches come later, it’s always players first. Strategy will be to win matches,” said Kumble.
Kumble thinks he needs to sit down with Sourav, Sachin, Laxman and Dravid for Indian cricket. “Need to sit down with Sourav, Sachin, Laxman and Dravid and need to do what is best for Indian cricket,” told Kumble. “It’s a great honour to be back in Indian dressing room in a different role,” he added.
“We will miss him, but very happy as Indian team cant find such a loyal coach,” Kumble’s wife Chethana Ramatheertha said.
BCCI hopes Kumble will be now transforming himself from a great cricketer to coach. “Kumble will be now transforming himself from a great cricketer to coach. and that’s why he has been appointed for an year as of now,” said in a statement by BCCI. President Anurag Thakur said, “For the next one year, Anil Kumble will be the head coach.” He further added that the appointment of the other support staff including batting, bowling and fielding coaches will be made later. Kumble will take over next month when the Indian team gets together for a camp ahead of the four-Test series in the West Indies.
Kumble and Ravi Shastri were the frontrunners for the coach’s job, which was left vacant since Duncan Fletcher’s departure after the 50-overs World Cup last year in Australia.
Kumble is a true giant of Indian cricket and a respected figure. The leg-spinner’s career was built on his work ethic and unflappable temperament. The all-time leading Indian wicket-taker in both Test and One-Day Internationals has been arguably the greatest match-winner that the country has ever produced. His phenomenal feat of having completed the ‘Perfect 10’ has placed him among the greats of the game. The man from Bengaluru has the experience and proven track record to work with the new generation of Indian players and guide them to greater success in the Virat Kohli era.