Former Indian test captain Anil Kumble deserves praise for his tremendous success as coach winning 12 out of 17 matches since he took over in July last year. Kumble, is one of India’s greatest match-winners and the highest wicket-taker in tests. He has shown his mettle as a strong “technician” of Cricket in the field, and a tough fighter. The former leg- spinner had to face opposition from members but pressed on with his agenda to improve cricket infrastructure at grassroots level. Jumbo is a great person in the first place, an outstanding cricketer and possesses all the qualities a leader should have. He hasn’t shied away from responsibility. Kumble has shown great strength of character in difficult situations. He is highly respected, non-controversial and richly deserves the job of coach. A coach’s role in cricket is very different from other sports where he is the obvious leader.
People do not know what rift is occurring between Kumble and Virat. But it is clear that India is emerging victorious after Kumble’s appointment as coach. The former leg-spinner has the capacity to carry the team and mould it to achieve results. He may have to be a little tough in controlling the known tempered players. Victory in the West Indies and a golden run at home against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia are a testament to Kumble and Kohli’s man-management skills and a validation of the talent within the ranks.
Anil Kumble is deeply affected by the unwanted controversy and that is why he wants to walk away. He is a man of principles. Virat Kohli and his boys seem to be unhappy with Kumble’s style of leading the team but he has had a very successful one-year tenure as the coach of the Indian team. Under his stewardship, Virat Kohli led team has won each and every series that they have played so far. Kumble is a man who is respected universally in the cricketing world, not just for his exploits as a player but for his administrative and mentoring skills as well. Kohli is aggressive but not a good captain. It was Kumble who called Kohli the best young batsman in the world and prepared him for the job of leading India. A senior BCCI official has rightly said, “There are disagreements in all teams but things shouldn’t be blown out of proportion. Also the timing of this controversy has been bad. However, if we replace Jumbo in a jiffy, it might send a signal to Virat that now he can also have an opinion on administrative decisions. It will set a bad precedent.”
Sehwag has to his credit some of the most astonishing batting records, no less worthy than what Kumble achieved with the ball, sporting Indian colours but he doesn’t have any prior coaching experience apart from mentoring IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab. There was never any fuss with Kumble. He has prepared himself well and never relented on the field until the job was done. The former captain would spend himself in the pursuit of success for the team and was always distressed if the squad had not given its all. Mahatma Gandhi who said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” It seems Kumble must have learnt the wisdom of Gandhi’s words early for his indomitable will was his greatest asset during his cricket career.
