The wait is finally over. India finally have a new coach and it is none other than their most successful bowler, across all formats, Anil Kumble. India might not be playing another match until their Test series against West Indies, which starts next month, they will certainly breathe a huge sigh of relief now that the long search for a coach is over.
The former Indian captain becomes the first Indian to become full-time coach of India since 2000. The 45-year-old will hope to fare better than the last Indian, Kapil Dev, and take India to greater heights.
Here are 5 reasons why Anil Kumble is the perfect choice for being India's coach:
Impeccable playing record and the respect that comes with it
While it is true that not every successful player goes on to become a great coach, there is a certain skill-set that is transferable across the two roles. And when a successful player was a captain as well, who understands the strategy and planning that goes on behind the scenes, it certainly is a huge help.
When you are a successful player, a legend even, there is a certain degree of respect that comes along with it. Players look up to you and your opinions are respected more than if you were just another player or worse, someone who has never even played cricket.
Kumble will hope to capitalise on his legendary pedigree from his playing days and take India to the next level across all formats during his 1-year tenure as the coach.
Experience of coaching with Mumbai Indians
When you look at the highest profile jobs in cricket, there can be none with greater pressure than the one that Anil Kumble has just taken. While it is true that the likes of Mike Hesson have shown that you can succeed as a coach in the international arena even without a first-class career, it isn’t as easy when you take the Indian job.
While having a proven cricket career is not necessarily mandatory, having prior exposure of coaching is something that is essential to anyone taking over the most high-profile job in international cricket. The pressure that the coach is under at all times requires prior-knowledge and know-how.
And that is precisely where Kumble experience with Mumbai Indians comes in. While it is true that there were plenty of other coaches along with him, the mere fact that he is used to handling big egos and dressing rooms is something that will keep him in good stead.
His never-say-die attitude and knowledge of domestic circuit
If there is one thing that stands out about Anil Kumble’s playing career, it is his never-say-die attitude. Whether it was playing on with a broken jaw in Antigua or playing through the pain barrier to get his side over the line when it looks as though defeat is the only possibility, Kumble is someone who never gave up as a player.
It is exactly that spirit, attitude and determination that India need, especially in the longest format of the game, away from home. India’s poor recent record has more to do with them not playing till the bitter end than there being a massive gulf in class between them and the opposition or the conditions. The 45-year-old is someone who comes in with the attitude of never quitting, which will stand India in great stead, especially away from home.
One of the problems India have had recently, with all the foreign coaches that they employed is that none of them were especially familiar with the Indian domestic circuit. The recent tour of Zimbabwe was one that was picked on domestic performance and not just IPL, so knowledge of the best players in India is something that will prove to be invaluable.
In touch with the current crop of players
Bringing in a former player is one of the safest options you can take, when it comes to appointing a coach. But the success of that depends largely on the player you bring in and the pedigree that he possesses. If you bring in someone who is an anachronism, then the whole point is defeated.
One of the reasons why the appointment of the former India captain makes a lot of sense is that he only retired in 2008. He has still played quite a few of the current Indian players and he understands the modern game. He even played with Kohli at RCB and understands the technical aspects and the difficulties of being a modern cricketer.
Huge help for Indian spinners
956 international wickets in 403 matches tells you that he was not only India’s most successful spinner but was also one who won games for India both home and away. And having a mentor like that for the current crop of spinners can only be a good thing.
India’s spin cupboard is not exactly bare but has shown itself to be easy to counteract especially away from home. Aside from the fact that Kumble is an incredibly successful spinner who proved himself everywhere he played, his experience would certainly be a huge help for Indian spinners.
Ravichandran Ashwin may be a lion at home, but away from home, he hasn’t really been able to have a similar impact. And that is even before mentioning the amount of leg spinners India have tried unsuccessfully, to replace Kumble. While it is true that he might not be able to convert everyone into world-beaters overnight, his experience will certainly be invaluable
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