Anil Kumble likely to return as India coach after T20 World Cup: Report

Legendary cricketer Anil Kumble is likely to return as the Team India head coach following the conclusion of the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup, with Ravi Shastri’s term drawing to an end following the tournament. Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI might ask Kumble to apply for the role with VVS Laxman another name linked according to a report by The Indian Express. The spinner was formerly the coach of the Indian team for a year between 2016-17. However, a fall-out with Virat Kohli led to Kumble tendering his resignation after the 2017 Champions Trophy final defeat against Pakistan.

“Anil Kumble’s exit needs course correction. The manner in which the CoA succumbed to the pressure of Kohli and removed him, wasn’t the best example set. However, it also depends on whether Kumble or Laxman are ready to apply for the job,” said a senior BCCI source in an interaction with PTI.

“The criteria for BCCI’s coach’s job will be such that only a select few with very good record as player as well as experience of coaching/mentorship can apply for the top job. He (Vikram Rathour) can apply if he wishes to but he doesn’t have the stature to become a head coach of the Indian cricket team. He is at best an assistant coach. However, when we select the new coach, he will have a team all by himself. So let’s wait and watch,” the source concluded.

Achieved all I wanted: Ravi Shastri gears up for end of tenure

Shastri has expressed his belief that the conclusion of the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup, would mark the right time for him to leave.

“I believe so because I’ve achieved all I wanted. Five years as No 1 [in Test cricket], to win in Australia twice, to win in England. I spoke to Michael Atherton earlier this summer and said: ‘For me, this is the ultimate – to beat Australia in Australia and win in England in Covid times.’ We lead England 2-1 and the way we played at Lord’s and the Oval was special,” said the Current Team India head coach in an interaction with Guardian.

“You know, being the coach of India is like being the football coach of Brazil or England. There’s always this gun pointing at you. Always. You might have six great months and then you get out for 36 and they will shoot you. Then you have to win immediately. Otherwise they will eat into you, right through. You need a hide like mine, absolutely like leather, so it doesn’t make a difference,” he added.

Shasrtri is full of pride at having beaten every country in the world in their own backyard.

“We’ve also beaten every country in the world in their own backyard in white-ball cricket. If we win the [T20] World Cup that will be the icing on the cake. There is nothing more. I believe one thing – never overstay your welcome. And I would say that, in terms of what I wanted to get out of the side, I’ve over-achieved. To beat Australia away and to lead the series in England in a Covid year? It is the most satisfying moment of my four decades in cricket,” he stated.