Exactly 365 days after he had been appointed as the Indian Cricket team’s head coach, Anil Kumble, on the evening of June 20th, had reportedly resigned his job. Although this was an expected news, it came surprisingly early as BCCI was found trying to solve the revolt between the Coach and the Captain.
His one year contract expired at the end of the Champions Trophy but he was given the option to travel with the team to the West Indies for the limited-overs series beginning on Friday.
However, Kumble decided to stay back in London for the ICC ‘Annual Conference’ as he is the chairman of the Cricket Committee while the Indian team boarded the flight to Barbados.
“While the Cricket Advisory Committee had endorsed an extension to his tenure as head coach, Mr Anil Kumble has decided not to continue as the coach,” the BCCI’s statement said.
Anil Kumble, the former player had been very successful with his role. The team India under his watchful eyes, had been in their prime form last year, especially in the home season of test matches. But his differences in the opinions and team matters developed eventually and time has come for the former captain to step down and move on.
After his resignation, Anil Kumble took it to his twitter page to report on his Resignation publicly.
Anil Kumble in his statement said:
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 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 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.
