Chandigarh: The feisty cricketer that he was, Anil Kumble’s resignation as Coach of Indian Cricket Team bears the style and character of his playing days: no-nonsense, straight and sincere.
Kumble posted his resignation statement on Twitter at 11:05 PM on Tuesday evening. The former star bowler has underlined his perception of the role of a coach in the team, saying: ‘I see the coach’s role as akin to ‘holding a mirror’ to drive self-improvement in the team’s interest’.
Perhaps, this is one line that holds the key to the split between Kohli and Kumble, which ultimately led to the latter’s resignation. Kohli in himself is a strong personality and ‘holding a mirror’ to a larger than life Indian Captain comes with challenges of its own. The Captain’s writ runs in the team and the board and if the ‘picture in the mirror’ is misunderstood or not taken in the right context, it could lead to the germination of doubt and mistrust, which left unchecked can easily reach a stage where bonds are broken. This could be the most probable scenario leading to Virat Kohli having ‘reservations’ with Kumble’s style of functioning.
Kumble goes on to writes in his resignation letter: ‘Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views are the key traits I bring to the table.’But the great spinner of the ball has left out one attribute – man management – that is perhaps the most important of all for an effective modern day coach.
Here is the complete statement posted by Kumble:
Kumble has parted ways with the team just before the beginning of the West Indies tour where Kohli and co are scheduled to play a set of five ODIs and a T20 beginning June 23.
Kumble’s resignation came after reports surfaced that skipper Virat Kohli had conveyed “strong reservations” over the legendary leg-spinner continuing as coach. Kohli had reportedly conveyed his feelings to the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) appointed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The three-member CAC, comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman had been given the task of selecting a new coach by the BCCI a month back. The three were in favour of retaining Kumble, the old war horse who has rubbed shoulders with them in many a battle through the years, as coach. But that was not to be.
As Kumble departs, the CAC is reportedly considering Virender Sehwag for the post of Team Coach. The maverick of Indian cricket who consciously chose to live on the edge and almost pulled it off with some memorable, swashbuckling innings, could be an ideal partner for Virat Kohli. Both individuals exhibit an extremist, go for broke, manner in cricket, which would put them on the same page in terms of strategy and team management.
The name of former Australian fast bowler Tom Moody too is doing the rounds as one of the contenders for the post.
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