Anil Kumble Steps Down As Team India Coach

Ending all speculations surrounding his future, Anil Kumble has stepped down as head coach of Team India ahead of the upcoming limited-overs series against Windies. The sudden and shocking decision has come just a few weeks after reports emerged that senior players especially captain Virat Kohli, had told BCCI officials that they were uncomfortable with the “intimidating” style of Kumble’s coaching. There were also rumors of a rift between the captain and the coach and as a result, the BCCI advertised for fresh applicants for the coach’s post instead of extending Kumble’s contract despite his impressive record.

Kumble’s one-year contract expired at the end of the Champions Trophy but he was given the option to accompany the team to the Caribbeans for the limited overs series beginning on Friday. However, the legendary spinner decided to stay back in London for the ICC ‘Annual Conference’ as he is the chairman of the Cricket Committee while the Men in Blue boarded the flight to Barbados on Tuesday.

Prior to boarding the flight, Kohli along with Kumble had met the BCCI officials. As per a report in The Times of India, the meeting took place after BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman told the board that it failed to mend the relationship between Kumble and Kohli.

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirms that Mr. Anil Kumble has withdrawn his services as the post of the Head Coach for the Senior India Men’s team,” the board said in a statement.

The BCCI has deputed Dr. MV Sridhar, GM – Cricket Operations to supervise the Team Management for the West Indies tour.

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2017

The BCCI further stated that the CAC had endorsed an extension to Kumble’s tenure as the coach but the former India spinner decided against it.

Mr. Amitabh Choudhary, Acting Secretary of the BCCI, also congratulated Kumble for his successful stint.

“We wish to place on record our sincere appreciation for the immense contribution by Anil Kumble to the team which enabled India to attain the No.1 Test position. Indian cricket needs his continued contribution in various capacities and wishes him all the best in his future endeavor,” Amitabh Choudhary said.

Kumble, who was appointed the coach in June last year, enjoyed a highly successful spell with India, guiding them to 12 wins in 17 Tests. During his stint, India also registered ODI series victory over England and New Zealand and a T20 series win over the former in addition to finishing as the runners-up in the recently-concluded Champions Trophy.