#360view: Kumble must strike up a bond with captain Kohli

Ajit Vijaykumar 12:25 25/06/2016
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  • In command: Anil Kumble.

    Anil Kumble is a living legend as far as Indian cricket is concerned. The most successful Indian bowler was an aggressive personality on the pitch. Even though he was a leg-spinner he had the mentality of a fast bowler, something he aspired to at a young age. He is highly respected in the Indian fraternity and his words carry a lot of weight.

    When the BCCI’s committee, comprising of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, picked Kumble as their choice for India coach, it didn’t come as a big surprise. As soon as he put his hat in the ring, Kumble was among the front-runners.

    Ravi Shastri, who had been the team director and had enjoyed a fair amount of success guiding a young Indian side, suddenly found himself up against a heavyweight who didn’t have any coaching experience but an enormous stature.

    Unfortunately for Shastri, the assessment was being made by three former batsmen who had enjoyed immense success playing along and under Kumble in Test cricket.

    Ganguly, Tendulkar and Laxman knew exactly what Kumble brought to the table and it is understandable why they went with him and not Shastri, who currently enjoys a great rapport with Test captain Virat Kohli and rest of the team members.

    Personally, I feel it should have been Shastri all along because the dressing room had warmed to him considerably. The team looks like a fighting unit and I don’t know why the BCCI decided to fix something that wasn’t broken.

    Anyhow, the team has to prepare for the tough road ahead with Kumble in charge and for me the biggest challenge will be ensuring the Kohli-Kumble combination is as cohesive as the previous one with Shastri.

    I have no doubt the players will be surprised by the selection because it was clear that they wanted Shastri to continue. But it’s Kumble who will guide them for one year now and both Kohli and Kumble must find common ground as soon as possible and work towards a productive relationship.

    India will be playing 13 Tests at home over the next 10 months and it’s Kohli who will be calling the shots. If there is even the slightest of wobbles in this relationship, it will have an impact because this is a young and inexperienced team led by a highly volatile captain at the peak of his powers.

    There was no need for the BCCI to look beyond Shastri. But a decision has been made and Kumble will get an opportunity to prove his credentials. And I believe he will have to work extra hard to gain the confidence of the players.

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