Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble. Image-AFP

Former head coach Anil Kumble is back on the BCCI’s radar to take on the coaching responsibilities of the Indian cricket team. Kumble’s previous tenure ended bitterly after differences in opinion with skipper Virat Kohli.

Current coach Ravi Shastri’s contract is set to run out after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup. Reports have revealed that he doesn’t intend to renew the deal and will head out once the contract ends. As a result, the BCCI has started looking at possible successors.

Anil Kumble, ICC
Head of ICC Cricket Committee Anil Kumble (Photo- Getty)

One of the names on their list is Kumble. The BCCI has a new regime at the top with a Supreme Court-mandated panel leading the way. Their agenda reveals that the BCCI is looking to approach Kumble once again with the role of the head coach.

BCCI President and former player Sourav Ganguly wanted Kumble to continue in 2017 despite differences with Kohli when he was part of the BCCI’s Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC). Kumble is currently assigned as head coach and director of cricket operations for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL.

Virat Kohli, SENA Countries
Virat Kohli (Image Credit: Twitter)

If he decides to join the Indian team, he will have to give up his stint in the IPL. He will also have to step down as the head of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) cricket committee.

Mahela Jayawardene was approached by BCCI before contacting Anil Kumble

Highly successful Sri Lankan player and coach, Mahela Jayawardene, was one of the primary options for the BCCI. He has won plenty of titles with teams across multiple leagues but is yet to take on a role at the international level. Jayawardene was considered for the Indian team’s head coach role.

Read More  Suryakumar Yadav comes out and announces his return, fires warning to Mumbai Indians about 'Riyan Parag 2.0'

Mahela Jayawardene, IPL
Mahela Jayawardene [Image Credit: IPLT20]
However, the Lankan is said to have his sights set on coaching the Sri Lankan team. This will also help him to keep the IPL job. If he takes up the role of the head coach for India, he will have to give up any other cricketing assignments. This is because the new constitution of the BCCI doesn’t allow a person to commit to two posts at the same time.

Also Read – Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma Pair Is Similar To Kumar Sangakkara And Mahela Jayawardene, Feels Salman Butt