Coach Kumble Likely to Be Retained as “Message” to Kohli: Reports

Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman are all against the idea of replacing Anil Kumble as coach.

Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli at India’s practise session before the Sri Lanka fixture in the Champions Trophy. (Photo: Reuters)

The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman is set to have an internal meeting on Thursday night with all three wanting Anil Kumble to continue as the chief coach of the Indian team.

PTI reports that the trio of Ganguly, Laxman and Tendulkar, who had roped in Kumble in place of Ravi Shastri last year, are not too keen on replacing the legendary leg-spinner.

The committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday night, with CEO Rahul Johri expected to co-ordinate the meeting.

Reports suggest that the decision-makers will decide whether there is even a need to conduct interviews or renew Kumble’s contract straightaway. They are also against the idea of setting a precedent in which the Indian captain can all but decide who coaches the team.

On the tenure of the upcoming appointment, BCCI President CK Khanna told PTI, "Whether Anil Kumble is retained or anyone else roped in, whoever gets the job will be given a contract till the 2019 World Cup."

The news of skipper Virat Kohli's alleged differences with Anil Kumble have been making the rounds for a while now. It all started when the BCCI opened the application process for the Indian coach’s job on the day the team landed in England for the Champions Trophy. While the BCCI’s mail said it was standard procedure, the media began revealing instances of stand-offs between the coach and captain over the last year.

On one hand, team has had great performances under Kumble. If the team reaches semi-final or say final, the BCCI would cut a sorry figure if they are forced to replace Kumble. On the other hand, cricket teams are essentially run by captains. One needs to respect a captain’s viewpoint also. It’s a catch-22 situation for CAC members.

BCCI official to PTI

While Anil Kumble has maintained his silence on the matter, Virat Kohli was subjected to more than a few questions on his relationship with the coach at a Champions Trophy press conference. While saying that having “differences” in the dressing room are normal, Kohli said he had “no problems whatsoever” with Kumble.

BCCI sources too say the magnitude of situation has been blown out of proportion.

Virat has never come and told any BCCI official that he doesn’t want to work with Kumble. And moreover, if Kumble and Virat don’t get along, what is the guarantee that Viru (Sehwag) and Virat will be on the same page? Everyone in the Indian cricketing circuit knows that Sehwag is also a no-nonsense person.

BCCI official to PTI

Also Read: Why Tom Moody Is Better Qualified to Coach India Than Sehwag

Sehwag himself has been in the news for his application letter. The former India opener sent a two-line CV for the job, which is being taken by some to indicate that he doesn't take the job seriously. Tom Moody, with his cool demeanour, still has a better chance than Sehwag, if the CAC decides on going ahead with interviews.