As a player, Anil Kumble’s career can be divided into halves – the 90s phase where India were invincible at home and the early 2000s in which they became a better touring side. In his new avatar as head coach, the veteran wants the Indians to emerge victorious from different conditions across the globe.
Speaking to The Week, Kumble enthused, “To be a consistent team. (We have to) look to win everywhere – on all surfaces, in all conditions and not just at home. I alone will not decide and strive to achieve that. Everybody involved must be on the same page, sit down and plan to achieve this goal. The coach's role is to be in the background. It is always players first.”
He added, “One needs to achieve a consensus. If the team doesn't buy into the idea, I cannot force things. If the team does not own the idea, it can never feel comfortable implementing it.“
Happy with the involvement of his former team-mates Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman to contribute to the growth of Indian cricket, Kumble wanted to bring everyone to the same page.
The legendary leg-spinner hoped, “It is great that Sachin Tendulkar, V V S Laxman and Sourav Ganguly, who is also an administrator, are all in the CAC. There is Rahul Dravid, too who is the India A and under 19 coach. We all are trying to contribute to the game in various ways. We will all have to sit down and do what is needed to take Indian cricket forward.”
‘There is no conflict of interest‘
Citing the examples of his peers, Kumble maintained, “There is absolutely no conflict of interest. All things have been addressed. There is the ICC Cricket Committee for which I will not be able to dedicate as much time. However, I see no reason why I cannot continue as its chairman.”
“There are other national coaches like Darren Lehmann on the committee. Also are Andrew Strauss who is England and Wales Cricket Board director and Dravid who is the India A coach.”
Denying reports which indicated that he had applied for the post after the deadline, the 45-year old thanked his family for supporting him in his latest endeavor and believed that he was up for the task.
The ICC Hall of Famer felt, “Nobody encouraged me, it was just me. I thought it was the right time to get involved, to give back to the game. I have always put my hand up and have been ready to take on challenges.”
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