"It's Not Easy Being India Head Coach..."- Anil Kumble

Published - 20 Nov 2023, 04:29 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:22 AM

Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Image Credits: Twitter)

Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble expressed disappointment that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli couldn’t lift the ICC World Cup 2023 trophy. Anil Kumble acknowledged Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s consistent performances for Team India throughout the event.

The Men in Blue suffered a heartbreaking six-wicket loss against Australia in the final game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19. The hosts failed to clinch victory despite being the dominant team in the league stage and semi-final stage.

Two Players Stood Up India In Every Moment – Anil Kumble

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Anil Kumble said that Rohit delivered impactful starts, while Virat played a crucial role in ensuring a competitive score. Kumble emphasized that the ultimate achievement for a player is to hold the World Cup trophy.

“It is sad that the two of them couldn’t hold the trophy at the end. Those two players certainly stood up for India in every moment. It was Rohit giving India the start, and then Virat ensuring that India got the score that they eventually reached,” Kumble told ESPNcricinfo.

“To get to 50 ODI hundreds is a massive achievement. In all of that, I don’t think any of that would count, but for having that World Cup trophy in your hand,” he added.

Would Have Loved To Have Rahul Dravid Hold The Trophy – Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble expressed his desire to see Rahul Dravid hold the trophy, acknowledging the hard work and challenges faced by the Indian coach. Kumble said that the decision about continuing as the head coach depends on how he feels the next day.

“I would have loved to have him hold the World Cup trophy. He has worked really hard, and it’s not been easy. It’s not easy being an India coach. You’re on the road all the time, and the focus is on you. I don’t know yet (if he will continue as the head coach). It all depends on how he wakes up tomorrow morning and then decides,” Kumble further added.

The Indian team’s next assignment will be a five-match T20I series against Australia, which is scheduled to commence on November 23. The selectors are likely to rest senior players for the next series, with Suryakumar Yadav expected to lead the side.

Also read: 5 Indians, 3 South Africans, 2 Australians, And 1 Players From New Zealand Make The Cut As Anil Kumble And Matthew Hayden Pick Their Team Of World Cup 2023

Tagged:

Anil Kumble ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ICC ODI World Cup 2023 India National Cricket Team Rahul Dravid Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli
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