The former Indian wicket-keeper batsman, Farokh Engineer, has backed the case of Anil Kumble and said the board should give him an extension as the coach of the side. Engineer was surprised by the fact that the board even invited applications for the job, which he thinks that was not a good move by BCCI,
“I’d have thought that they’d extend his term. I was surprised to see other people’s names mentioned. But other people are also qualified and very good. So I don’t know. Who is qualified enough in the BCCI’s terms,” Farokh told The Hindu.
On being asked about the rift between Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli, Engineer took the safe road and did not comment on the matter,
“Both Kohli and Kumble are my very good friends. I think they’ve got along very well so far. I don’t know about (a rift). I’m not party to that. The BCCI always think they’re the best judges of everything. So let them decide.”
He was mainly surprised by the way BCCI advised for the post and invited applications, as he thinks that it’s not the right way to employ a coach for the Indian cricket team.
Engineer, who is based out of England, is currently commentating in the Champions Trophy for a radio channel. He was also present there during the game between India and Pakistan where defending champions humbled Pakistan to hand them big defeat by a margin of 124 runs by a D/L method.
Batting first, Indian team posted a total of 319 runs on the board. Pakistan was asked to chase 289 runs in 41 overs, which they failed by virtue of being bowled out for 164.
India will face Sri Lanka in their next game on June 8 in Kennington Oval, London.