Five reasons why coach Anil Kumble has been a positive influence on Indian cricket

Although it has been only seven months since Anil Kumble took charge as India’s head coach, quite a few changes have transpired both on and off the field. By forming a productive partnership with captain Virat Kohli, the legendary leg-spinner is making jumbo-sized strides during his second innings in Indian cricket.

Since he came on board, India’s record reads – 2-0 in away Test series against West Indies, 3-0 in home Test series against New Zealand, 3-2 in home ODI series against New Zealand, 4-0 in home Test series against England and 2-1 in home ODI series against England.

Admittedly, those results have been achieved due to a combination of factors, ranging from playing in familiar conditions to the performances of players. As always, the value of a coach cannot be judged from numbers alone. More than results, contributions in diverse areas within the team can give us a clearer picture.

Here are five such reasons why Kumble, the coach, has been a hugely positive influence on Indian cricket.

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#5 Encouraging bowlers to bat responsibly

Jayant Yadav’s emergence as a bowling all rounder augurs well for India’s Test fortunes

Kumble’s eminent trait of being a diligent and resolute cricketer could actually be discerned from his batting. Not gifted with dour defence nor possessing the cavalier nature of lower-order batsmen, he found a way to contribute by just putting a price on his wicket. Unarguably, one of Indian cricket’s most poignant moments was his maiden Test century.

The tenacity and purpose seem to have rubbed off on the current set of bowlers as well. While Ravichandran Ashwin had begun to show his prowess with the bat before Kumble arrived as the coach, Ravindra Jadeja (to a certain extent) has applied himself better under his tenure. The decision to invest in Jayant Yadav has also sent home the message that bowlers need to bat responsibly.

#4 Rotation policy to prevent player burnout

Workloads of lead pacers like Mohammed Shami have to be monitored carefully

With so much cricket happening these days across three different formats, it has become increasingly imperative to monitor the workload of each and every player. More so in the bowling department wherein India has been historically reluctant to offer rest to key players unless the opposition is a weak one.

Hence, the move to rest Ashwin, Jadeja and Mohammed Shami for the ODI series against New Zealand came across as a breath of fresh air. Though there is the theoretical argument that selecting those three bowlers could have given India a better score line than 3-2, avoiding fatigue and keeping them hungry for the duration of the season takes precedence. Along with Kumble, the selection committee needs to be lauded as well for having the foresight to take such decisions.

#3 Providing a thriving environment for new entrants

Karun Nair did not take too long to adapt to the rigours of international cricket

For any aspiring player, the transition from domestic cricket to the upper echelons of the game is never easy. Upon spending day after day toiling hard in order to get that elusive opportunity, even the steadiest of minds can waver.

However, things appear to be different in the current set-up. Aided by a positive and vibrant environment, new entrants have been able to hit the ground running. Jayant’s emergence as well as Nair’s rise, back the importance of having a thriving dressing room atmosphere.

These are not flashy performers built on happenstance. Their underlying substance and response to testing situations point to earnest preparation. Even for those with enough experience trying to make a comeback, the task does not seem as onerous anymore.

#2 Spinners are challenged to perform on truer pitches

India’s spin mainstays did not quite get favorable pitches in the England series

Despite their 3-0 triumph which helped put an end to South Africa’s nine-year unbeaten away series streak, the murmurs surrounding the nature of pitches did not abate. Rightly so as those surfaces in Mohali and Nagpur had spun square from the opening day itself.

Though such bowler-friendly conditions help bolster statistics, they do not allow players to evolve into all-round performers. Likewise, the theory holds true for seamers making merry on grassy pitches as well.

While the New Zealand series included a seam-friendly surface amidst a couple of moderately turning tracks, the highly anticipated series against England served up good batting pitches.

Kumble himself acknowledged the need to keep pushing bowlers to find a way to succeed on flat tracks in order to develop the team into a formidable unit across different conditions.

#1 Renewed focus on sharpening the team’s mental strength

India’s relentlessness to pursue victories has helped open up a sizeable lead at the top of the Test rankings

Since Kohli succeeded MS Dhoni at the helm, there has been a renewed sense of intent and ruthlessness to the team’s attitude in Tests. In particular, the last few months have seen a noticeable difference in the body language of the players.

Despite finding themselves in tricky positions at times, they never panicked and stuck to their plans. Renowned for his steely resolve to run in hard even after sending down 40 or 50 overs, Kumble’s emphasis on the mental aspect of the game has paid rich dividends.

The fifth Test in Chennai was a perfect example of the team’s stirring character. Even though the series had already been sealed and the pitch not doing much, the bowlers kept pushing for the win and eventually succeeded. Such steadfastness has enabled India to open up a sizeable lead at the top of the Test rankings.