London : The India coach issue is moving towards a resolution that, at this stage, appears to be to the satisfaction of Anil Kumble, the incumbent. Last evening, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, the three members of BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), had a meeting to discuss the selection of India’s coach. CAC decided to “revert to BCCI at an appropriate time”. The said “appropriate” time would be after India’s campaign at the Champions Trophy ends, the best case scenario for which would be India retaining their title on June 18.
Quieter Kumble
Over the last few days, during practice in Birmingham and here, Kumble has often appeared to be lonely at the nets. His interactions with Virat Kohli have been limited in the public. Kohli’s excellent knock against Pakistan, and the win over Pakistan, strengthened his position. Kumble is aware that Kohli was twice given the opportunity to speak strongly in his favour — right after arriving in England, and then on the eve of India’s match against Pakistan. Both times, Kohli’s comments lacked unequivocal support for the coach. This is unusual, because Kohli speaks clearly and emphatically about most issues when his opinion is sought.
Twice Kohli was asked about Kumble’s contribution to India’s success, and twice he spoke words that were bare minimum and seemed unconvincing.
Kumble’s record
There are no cricketing or performance-related reasons to remove Kumble; the only reason, as has been widely reported, is his rift with Kohli over his (Kumble) style of functioning.
It has been learnt that two members of CAC — Tendulkar and Laxman — favour the idea of extending Kumble’s contract. According to those aware of the developments, Ganguly, however, has his reservations about this.
Ganguly’s reservations, presumably, relate to the harmony in the team. If Kohli and the players do not wish to work with Kumble any more, isn’t it likely that the extension of Kumble’s contract will create problems?
BCCI’s officials themselves aren’t keen to continue with Kumble, for he’s a strong man who’s worked for player welfare and better contracts for himself and teammates in his playing days. Moreover, he’s worked with the Lodha Committee, which is working to reform BCCI. The best way out of this conundrum is for Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman to first decide on the selection; if they favour Kumble, it would be their job to sit down with Kohli and effect a reconciliation between him and Kumble. However, if they are unable to convince Kohli, Kumble will have to go, according to an insider. In other words, CAC and BCCI won’t force Kumble on Kohli and the team.