What has gone wrong with Anil Kumble in the last one year? Well, we can't really think of any major flaws. The huge series wins by India over New Zealand, England and Australia definitely remained a memorable occasion for the Indian cricket fans, but, yet, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) thinks that the veteran Indian bowler hasn't done enough to earn himself an automatic contract extension.
Yes, Kumble's one-year term as India cricket team coach, is coming to an end. And the BCCI has invited fresh applications to appoint his successor.
Even a possible win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 for Team India might not be enough, although, it must be said, that Kumble does remain in the fray.
What can happen is Kumble being willing to contest again for the Team India coach position, alongside the other candidates that might put their names into the hat.
Is BCCI unhappy with Anil Kumble?
Several reports have come in lately that the Indian cricket board is not pleased with Kumble continuosly talking to the Committee of Administrators (CoA), especially regarding player and coaches salaries.
Just a few days back, Kumble revealed publicly that the Indian cricket team were very much keen on playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, meeting the possible wrath of the BCCI officials, who were considering not playing in the competition over a row with ICC.
"I don't think he [Kumble] is headed in the right direction," a top BCCI source told Cricketnext, earlier this year.
"We are not against people voicing their opinion. But yes, there is a way and a protocol that needs to be followed everywhere and it is no different here. You can always confide in people you trust.
"But to knock at the doors of people who are influential is setting a very wrong precedent, more so, when matters do not involve them. It is only right to speak to the board when matters concern the day-to-day functioning of BCCI."
Time for a fair election?
The Supreme Court-appointed CoA wants the election process for the new coach to be conducted under their watchful eyes.
Anurag Thakur was the BCCI chief when Kumble was named the coach the last time. Thakur, as we all are aware, was shown the BCCI exit door at the start of the calendar year.
Guidelines for the new Team India coach candidates:
- Should have successfully coached a cricket team of any of the member countries of the ICC, at the first class or at the International level.
- It is preferred that the candidate should be qualified through a certification/assessment program conducted by any of the full member countries and currently possess such a valid certification.
- Should be able to prepare and present a coaching plan elaborating the approach for 'Team India' to attain leadership position in all formats of the game.
- Demonstrate methods/tools to effectively measure individual player performance and present metrics to the Board, which will in turn measure the performance of the team, on a consistent and timely basis.
- Demonstrate an understanding and ability of employing a multi disciplinary approach that will include sports psychology and sports medicine, and effectively manage the work load of the players, thereby enhancing their contribution to the cause of the team
- Communication skills befitting the coach of an International team are mandatory along with the ability to effectively convey the right messages and must demonstrate proficiency in English. It is desirable to communicate in Hindi and other regional Indian languages.
- Should be well versed with the latest technologies/trends in sports software and ability to utilise the same, which will assist in analysing/ improving the performance of the player and the team.
- Mandatory that the candidate should have an impeccable personal record, devoid of any past or current disputes, with any of the member boards of the ICC or its affiliates.
- Demonstrate plans and ability to contribute to the NCA Cricket Development Programmes and forecasting/planning to develop the next generation of cricketers and agree to make themselves available for the NCA, as and when they are not with the team.
