Anil Kumble decided to step down as coach of the Indian cricket team yesterday after his one year contract came to an end after the Champions Trophy 2017. The former Indian spinner was given the opportunity to extend his stay and travel with the Indian team for their limited-overs series against West Indies but he refused.
Kumble has been reportedly having a long feud with Indian skipper Virat Kohli, which was part of the reason why he stepped down. Even during their Champions Trophy 2017 campaign, there was no communication between the two as Kumble was seen mostly keeping to himself.
Also read: Player power to rule them all: Anil Kumble the latest victim of unstoppable force
During the 12-month period of Kumble as the coach, the Indian cricket team indeed performed really well, winning Test series in the West Indies (2-0) before winning at home against New Zealand (3-0), England (4-0), Bangladesh (1- 0) and Australia (2-1). They also won eight ODIs and lost just five during his time as coach.
With the India vs West Indies series set to start on June 23, India will be without a proper coach and the BCCI released a statement saying that during that time, MV Sridhar GM - Cricket Operations will supervise the team. Along with him, batting coach Sanjay Bangar and fielding coach, R Sridhar, will remain with the Indian team in the West Indies.
The BCCI also mentioned that they will seek the help of the Cricket Advisory Committee as the search for a new coach begins with the likes of Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Richard Pybus and Lalchand Rajput among the people who have applied for the job.
Despite losing in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017 to our biggest rivals in Pakistan, Kumble had no doubt transformed the Indian cricket team in the 12 months he was in charge. Several Indian cricket fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment towards the BCCI and Kohli in particular after Kumble stepped down.
Anil Kumble, I have always respected you. Kohli is an over rated batsman and captain. Now he has proved that he is rude and arrogant.
— somesh abhishek (@abhishek_somesh) 21 June 2017
Arrogance shown by captain @imVkohli on issue of coach @anilkumble1074 .
— harsh sharma (@DangerousHarsh) 21 June 2017
If kohli is so much capable than kohli himself take charge of coach
@anilkumble1074 thank u soo much !! U deserved to be a coach for atleast 2019 World Cup. @BCCI @imVkohli now u can all go shopping !!
— shreyance sancheti (@Shreyance25) 21 June 2017
sir why did u step down as a head coach in our presence our team was in top 3 of all rankings ???? please sir @anilkumble1074 come back
— Yash Kalvankar (@cricyash03) 21 June 2017
Dear @anilkumble1074
— SHIV KANT DIXIT (@Imshiva_dixit) 21 June 2017
In your session INDIAN CRICKET TEAM gave our best& you too.
But unfortunately @imVkohli not take seriously.We miss you
This is very bad decision by Indian cricket team. We miss you our Indian legendary 'JUMBO' @anilkumble1074 SIR. #BCCI
— Mayur Adroja (@mayuradroja007) 21 June 2017
Resignation of Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) justifies that aerogant, frown faced Virat Kohli no longer should be kept as an Indian captain
— Kaivalya Dave (@kaivalya_2010) 21 June 2017
@imVkohli you are just a player who's playing in https://t.co/mYz6slDAJJ don't have qualities of a legend@BCCI @anilkumble1074 @RVCJ_FB
— Aditya Pratap (@UpdeshPratap) 21 June 2017
@imVkohli sorry to say but ur attitude will take u down. @anilkumble1074 is far more respected and celebrated icon then u.
— Divyang Patel (@frnd4all) 21 June 2017
This shows the difference between @msdhoni and @imVkohli. @anilkumble1074 you have been a great player,great coach. We love you. ❤ https://t.co/f62dSQnjD0
— Vishal Singh (@VishalSingh157) 21 June 2017
@imVkoIhi should be thrown out of the team than @anilkumble1074. @imVkoIhi is responsible for defeat against Pakistan.
— Shabbir Vakil (@sivakil) 21 June 2017
