Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, Players
Anil Kumble had a rift with Virat Kohli. Photo Credit: BCCI.

Anil Kumble, India’s outgoing coach, has broken his silence on what prompted him to suddenly step down from the post of India coach. While speculations were rife that Kumble would step down or BCCI would appoint a new coach sooner than later after rumours of a feud between him and captain Virat Kohli began doing the rounds in the buildup to the Champions Trophy. And although Kohli had rubbished those reports, Kumble’s statement after stepping down shows that the reports were absolutely true.

Image result for anil kumble and kohli

 

Kumble, on Tuesday (June 20) , took to twitter to thank the BCCI for giving him the opportunity to coach the national team. In his explosive statement, Kumble went on to reveal that not everything was well between him and Kohli before stating that he was informed by the board that the captain had ‘reservations’ with his style and ‘continuing as Head Coach’.

BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, had tried mending the relation between the skipper and the coach but Kumble said that his partnership with Kohli was untenable. He went on to say that brought to the table professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views and he always respected the role boundaries between the captain and coach.

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The former India skipper has had a very successful stint with the team that began with a 2-0 series in West Indies last year. Under his guidance, the team reached the summit of the ICC Test rankings, beating West Indies, New Zealand, England, Australia and Bangladesh. They also won limited-over series against New Zealand and England and ended the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2017 as runners up to Pakistan.

Image result for kohli and kumble icc mace

Here is full statement from the outgoing coach:

“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.

I was surprised since I had always respected the the role boundaries between Captain and Coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the Captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and I therefore believe it is best for me to move on.

Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views are the key traits I bring to the table. These need to be valued for the partnership to be effective. I see the Coach’s role akin to ‘holding a mirror’ to drive self-improvement in the team’s interest.
In light of these ‘reservations’, I believe it is best I hand over this responsibility to whomever the CAC and BCCI deem fit.
Let me reiterate that it has been an absolute privilege to have served as Head Coach for the last one year. I thank the CAC, BCCI, CoA and all concerned. I also wish to thank the innumerable followers of Indian cricket for their continued support. I will remain a well-wisher of the great cricketing tradition of my country forever. ”

 

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