"No Regrets": Anil Kumble On Controversial Team India Coaching Stint

Anil Kumble did not serve a long period as Team India head coach but it was a successful one. Under his mentoring, India reached the Champions Trophy final in 2017 and also rose up as a dominating side in Test cricket. India were unbeaten in 19 Test matches during his stint but despite all the achievement Kumble had to step down.

India captain Virat Kohli was not happy with the way Kumble operated and that became the core reason behind his departure. On the hindsight, Kumble was happy to take up the role of Indian cricket team coach and had a fantastic time. He also said that it was a great feeling for him to be a part of the team with great performers.

Kumble has no regrets and was happy moving on.

“I was very happy that I took up that role [India coach]. It was great, the one year I spent with the Indian team was really fantastic,” Kumble said in an interview with Pommie Mbangwa.

“Having been with great performers and again being a part of the Indian dressing room is a great feeling.

“We did really well in that one year period. I was really happy that there were some contributions made and there are no regrets. I was happy moving on from there as well. I know the end could have been better but then that’s fine.

“As a coach, you realise, when it’s time to move on, it’s the coach who needs to move on. I was really happy I played a significant role in that one year.”

On June 20, 2017 Kumble announced his resignation and tweeted, “”I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC, in asking me to continue as Head Coach. The credit for the achievements of the last one year goes to the Captain, the entire team, coaching and support staff. Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday by the BCCI that the Captain had reservations with my ‘style’ and about my continuing as the Head Coach”.

He was replaced by Ravi Shastri who continues in his second stint as a coach.