Words of praise arose from several quarters when Anil Kumble was signed up as the coach of the India cricket team last year. Just within a year of his taking charge, things seem to be falling apart as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are looking for a new coach.
The tenure of Kumble, who has not been given a contract extension, will come to an end with the Champions Trophy.
Though Kumble can still continue as the coach as he is a direct entrant in the selection process, reports suggest that the players are not too happy with his functioning. A Times of India report suggests that the players are disappointed with his 'hard task-master' approach.
India captain Virat Kohli is said to have met Sourav Ganguly, a member of the cricket advisory committee, in England to brief him about some important things related to the issue. Cricket fans would remember that Kohli wanted Ravi Shastri as a permanent coach. So is he trying to get the former team director as the coach?
The committee, which also comprises Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, will take the final decision on the new coach, and will be interesting to see if Kumble is given the job once again.
"With the CoA not involved in the day-to-day working of the team, the responsibility of naming the new head coach is entrusted to the three-member panel. Neither the CoA nor the board officials will be part of this process," TOI quoted a source as saying.
Such developments do not auger well for team India, especially with Kohli and his men approaching such a vital ICC event as the Champions Trophy. It could create problems inside the dressing room, which is not a healthy sign for India cricket.
Indian players, including Kohli, need to keep their mind solely on cricket, and external factors should take a back seat. They should act as professional cricketers, and allow the administrators to take a call once the Champions Trophy is over.
If Kohli has anything for or against Kumble, he can meet the three-member panel and be open about it later on. As of now, controversies and negative mood inside the dressing room can have a bad impact on India's performance in the Champions Trophy.
