Anil Kumble appointed as the head coach of Indian Cricket Team

Former Indian skipper and leg spinner, Anil Kumble has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian Cricket Team for tenure of one year, as announced by BCCI president Anurag Thakur, putting an end to the 16-year-old tradition of appointing an international coach.

Kumble’s first challenge as coach will be India’s four-test tour of the West Indies, which will commence from July 21. Kumble’s candidature was considered by the three-member advisory committee, comprising of senior players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. The committee, headed by former BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale, interviewed the shortlisted applicants about their aspirations and goals for the Indian team. Kumble’s views and execution on taking Indian team to the top position in every aspect is said to be the reason behind his appointment as the new head coach.

The news is doing the rounds that Kumble has already reintroduced the Buddy system to train the team. The buddy system was first introduced by John Wright before the 2001 series against Australia. Wright was also the former coach of the Indian Cricket Team. The idea behind the practice of the buddy system is to divide the players up in teams of two; usually pairing a batsman with a bowler or a batsman with an all-rounder, and encouraging them to help each other in their problem areas, so as to ensure a complete and all round development of all players.

“It’s a huge responsibility; I am ready to take this role. Coaches come later, it’s always players first. Strategy will be to win. I have a short and long plan for the upcoming series, but I cannot plan alone; need players to pitch in,” said Kumble. Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, Kumble told reporters, “It’s a great honour to be back again in the Indian dressing room, in a different role. It’s a huge responsibility. I have always put my hand up for challenges. A coach’s role in my opinion is always done in the background, and that will be my approach. I believe that players come first, coaches come late.” After announcing his retirement in 2008, Kumble continued to remain associated with cricket in different capacities, including an administrative role as the Karnataka State Cricket Association president between 2010 and 2013.

Kumble has also served as a team mentor with two Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises — Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians.