It did come in as a surprise when the Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) decided not to extend Anil Kumble's contract and invite applications for the prestigious position. That is not the end of it, as some new surprises also emerged on Sunday with former India opener Virender Sehwag reportedly told to apply for India coach.
To be fair, first of all, several fans experts have already deemed it to be unfair on Kumble, not to be given an extension. His contract expires after the upcoming Champions Trophy.
With an impressive home season, and some all-round show by the team in his tenure, which he started in June 2016, his extension must have been the right decision.
However, there are certain off-field things, which seem to have gone against him. Kumble has been very vocal against the need for the Indian players, including skipper Virat Kohli to be paid well, and also spoke about his players keen to play in the Champions Trophy when the BCCI were contemplating to give the tournament a miss. The BCCI might not have liked it.
The BCCI, as it seems, were looking for some alternative options as the coach even when the IPL was going on.
"We have contacted Sehwag during the IPL and asked him to consider applying for the job of India coach. But he won't be the only one applying because we expect other former players to also thrown their hats in the ring," Indian Express reported BCCI official as saying.
However, the report also stated that Sehwag informed the Express that he has not been contacted by anyone for the same.
When the BCCI opened invitations for the coaching job, the board made it clear that Kumble will be a direct entrant in the selection process. So, it remains to be seen if Sehwag will eventually throw his hat on the ring, and provide a battle to Kumble along with other former cricketers, who could also give it a shot.
All those interested need to apply for the job before May 31, after which they will have to undergo a process of selection under the committee, comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.
