After a 16-year wait, the Indian Cricket Team finally has an Indian coach to head the national side as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Anil Kumble as the chosen candidate. The former Indian Test captain was given a one-year term.
Kumble will be taking charge of the Indian team from the upcoming Test series that India will play in West Indies in July-August. India's highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs was picked as the candidate by his former teammates, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, who are part of the BCCI Advisory Committee.
The race for the head coach role was mainly between Kumble and former Team India Director, Ravi Shastri. Despite not having any coaching experience or a coaching certificate, the 45-year-old was added to the fray after the BCCI had left a window for candidates with no experience open. Kumble, however, has been a mentor for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Here is how the cricketing fraternity reacted to his appointment:
New India head coach, Kumble spoke to media right after he was named as the coach and looked forward to the new challenge:
“It's a great honour and I would like to thank BCCI for this opportunity. I am thankful to BCCI and cricket advisory committee for showing faith in me. It is the right time and way to give back what all I have gained from the cricket.
“Have a great relationship with Sourav, Sachin, Laxman and Dravid. Have to sit with them to discuss plans. Too early to speak about plans. The strategy is to win against WI. Haven't yet spoken to players.”
BCCI President, Anurag Thakur:
“Indian cricket team deserves the best coach and BCCI has full faith in Anil Kumble. We take feedback from everyone, including media. This game is followed by millions. Anil Kumble will join the team for the West Indies tour. BCCI was happy with the performance of Ravi Shastri.”
Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag:
Indian opening batsman, Gautam Gambhir:
Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh:
England cricketer, Kevin Pietersen:
Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah:
Cricket commentator, Harsha Bhogle:
Former Australian bowler, Nathan Bracken:
Former Australian women's cricketer, Lisa Sthalekar:
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