Anil Kumble’s tenure with Team India might have been extended for one more series but the India head coach is unlikely to continue for long.
Kumble, who was appointed as coach in June last year, will be out of contract after the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy but the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) extended his tenure for the upcoming limited-overs series in West Indies, comprising five One-Day International and a T20I.
As per the reports, the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, is keen that the former leg-spinner continues plying his trade for the national team but as per reports in the Hindustan Times, India’s highest wicket-taker may not like to extend his contract. The CoA has also made it clear that it wants Kumble to stay but only if he is keen.
However, it looks highly unlikely as of now because sources are suggesting that Kumble’s presence in the dressing room is not welcomed by some senior players. The alleged rift between captain Virat Kohli and Kumble might not be true but a top BCCI source has revealed that the players are not in favour of Kumble continuing as the head coach.
“Yes, players do not want him and there will be a change in coach for sure,” the official was quoted as saying by the news outlet.
The whole episode, meanwhile, has left the CAC worried who have been assigned with the responsibility of selecting the new coach just like they did last year. And while the constraint of time has not allowed them to select the new coach for the tour of the Caribbean, the official said that it is inevitable.
“The CAC is really worried about this issue and given the fact that the Caribbean series is upon us, this is not the right time to change the coach. But it will eventually happen,” said the Board official.
The CAC is meeting in London on Friday (June 15) to find a solution and while the committee is in no hurry finding the new coach, Kumble may opt to quit. With the players reportedly not willing to have Kumble as the coach anymore, the clash of personalities and ego might force Kumble to end his association with the team which has been highly successful since he began it with a 2-0 Test series in West Indies. After that, Team India won 10 out of 13 Tests in a mammoth home season, registering series victories over New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia in addition to winning the limited-overs series against New Zealand and England.
