Sunil Gavaskar backs Kumble's appointment, says 'ache din' awaits Indian cricket

After Anil Kumble was confirmed as the Head Coach of Team India, iconic batsman Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his weight behind the former leg-spinner’s appointment. Speaking to NDTV, the 66-year old was extremely confident about the future of Indian cricket under Kumble’s tutelage. Gavaskar enthused, “You don’t need a coaching degree, all you have to be is a good man manager. Kumble brings into table a lot of determination, experience and intelligence as India coach.”

Declaring that ‘ache din’ (good days) was here for the Indian team, the veteran believed that the players will certainly benefit from his extensive international career. He backed BCCI’s decision to give a one-year term to Kumble.

With a hectic upcoming season comprising of as many as 17 Tests and limited-overs games, the technically accomplished batsman felt, “One year term as India coach is more than enough.”

When asked about Kumble’s influence on the present day cricketers, the right-hander quipped, “Players can Google on Kumble and find out what he has achieved. He will earn a lot of respect in the dressing room. He has been a great performer for India.”

Making his debut in 1990, the talismanic spin bowler is India’s leading wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs. Overall, only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne have bettered Kumble’s 619 Test scalps.

Affectionately called ‘Jumbo’ for his lion-hearted performances, he also led India to a famous victory in Perth during a tumultuous tour to Australia apart from a series victory against Pakistan at home.

Since retiring from the sport in 2008, Kumble also served as President of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Chairman of ICC Cricket Committee. He became only the fourth Indian to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame after Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Bishen Singh Bedi.

Asserting that Anil was a sharp tactician, Gavaskar stated, “Kumble would certainly give his opinions. I don’t see him being a passive coach. As far as achievements go, he will be a living example in front of the players.”