Anil Kumble was chosen for the high-profile position of coach of Indian cricket team, edging out strong contenders Ravi Shastri and Tom Moody.
There were as many as 57 applicants for the high profile job, subsequently shortlisted to 21. Apparently, Shastri, Moody and Kumble were in the final shortlist and finally it was Kumble who made it.
The advisory committee who made the final selection was equally high-profile, consisting of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Gangly and VVS Laxman. The only point which was against Kumble was that he has not coached an international team successfully in the past, but considering his overall record, the ‘selectors’ overlooked this.
Considering the reputation of the selectors themselves and that of Kumble, it was not just a discretion but their prerogative.
Kumble is the perfect coach to take India forward.
He’s a team man. Kumble has always been a team man. Who can forget him bowling with a strapped up broken jaw? Such acts are not only memorable but spur the team on to new heights.
His personal achievements are up there with the best. Kumble has almost a 1000 International wickets, comprising 619 in Tests and 337 in ODIs. He is only the second player to take 10 Test wickets in an innings.
In Test matches he has had a ‘fiver’ 35 times and taken ten wickets in a match as many as eight times. In fact only Warne, Richard Hadlee, Murali and Kumble have taken Fivers more than 30 times.
Kumble has always been a fighter. He was criticised for not turning the ball but made that his strength. He was not a very capable batsman but always made his wicket one to be fought for and ended up with a Test ton and five 50s as well.
His importance to overseas Tests. In his presentation to Sachin, Sourav and Laxman Kumble made it clear that overseas Tests were very important and one cannot simple prepare dustbowls to win at home, only to lose abroad. He himself has taken 269 wickets abroad and has figured in many overseas wins. He is the right man to do it.
Furthermore, Kumble has re-started the buddy concept which John Wright had started. This consists of pairing a batsman with a bowler so that each can learn from each other.
He is also an important link between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Indian cricket is at a point where Virat leads the Test team while Dhoni leads the ODI and T20 Team. Kumble is uniquely situated to be coach in this transition period until Virat leads in all formats, especially as he was the Test captain earlier who had handed over to Dhoni.
He understands Virat’s aggression. Many say that Virat is too aggressive but I feel its only a matter of channelling his aggression, and who better than Kumble – the spinner with a fast bowler’s mentality? Kumble has already said that he will allow Virat to be aggressive.
His relationship with Rahul Dravid is also important. Kumble has already said that he will work in close tandem with Dravid, who is the coach of the U-19 team, so that there can be a steady supply line from junior to senior cricket.
Kumble has as of now been given a one-year tenure, but I have a feeling it will be much longer than that.
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