The ICC Champions Trophy is likely to be Anil Kumble’s last assignment as Team India head coach, according to a report. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), last week, had invited application for the coach’s post and the deadline for submission ended on Wednesday (May 31).
As per a report in The Indian Express, Kumble’s contract is unlikely to get extended after it expires with the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy and one main reason behind it is his alleged rift with team captain Virat Kohli. With reports suggesting that all is not well between the two gaining heat with every passing day, the board officials are trying to mend the relation by talking to them separately but sources in the know of things have speculated that it is highly unlikely.
A BCCI official has revealed that issues began to crop up between the coach and the captain since the Test series against England last year. In fact, he said that not only Kohli but some other players were also unhappy with Kumble’s style of coaching.
“The problem between Kumble and Kohli isn’t recent but has apparently been festering on for a while. The early signs were seen at the start of the England series in Rajkot in November last year. Not just Virat, we have been told that a few players are also not too happy with Kumble’s style of functioning. When the captain especially isn’t happy, then there is little that we or anybody from outside can do,” an official was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
“Barring a minor miracle, I don’t see Kumble continuing,” another source said.
However, one of the members of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators has slammed Kohli for his behaviour. Backing Kumble, the member said that the former India skipper’s exceptional records as the coach should be considered to renew his contract.
“Kohli is behaving like a spoilt child. The committee should be fair. Kumble has had great results and that should be a big factor when it comes to renewing his contract,” the member said.
India’s highest wicket-taker in Test was appointed the head coach in June last year and began his term with a 2-0 Test series victory in West Indies. In the following mammoth home season, the Virat Kohli-led side won 10 Tests, registering series victories over New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia, respectively.