Anil Kumble stepped down from the post as head coach of the Indian cricket on Tuesday. The Board of Control of Cricket in India confirmed his departure from the post in a release and also noted that Kumble had decided not to continue as coach despite the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee endorsing an extension to his tenure.
Despite Kumble’s success as coach after being appointed in the role last year, the last few weeks saw mounting speculation of a rift between him and the captain. Despite receiving backing from the Supreme Court-mandated Committee of Administrators and the CAC to continue till India’s tour of West Indies got over in July, Kumble decided to call it quits. In a brief statement on Twitter late Tuesday night, Kumble spoke about an “untenable” partnership between him and Kohli which led him to believe that it was best to move on.
Full text of Kumble’s statement:
I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC, in asking me to continue as Head Coach. The credit for the achievements of the last one year goes to the Captain, the entire team, coaching and support staff.
Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday by the BCCI that the Captain had reservations with my ‘style’ and about my continuing as the Head Coach. I was surprised since I had always respected the the role boundaries between Captain and Coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the Captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and I therefore believe it is best for me to move on.
Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views are the key traits I bring to the table. These need to be valued for the partnership to be effective. I see the Coach’s role akin to ‘holding a mirror’ to drive self-improvement in the team’s interest.
In light of these ‘reservations’, I believe it is best I hand over this responsibility to whomever the CAC and BCCI deem fit.
Let me reiterate that it has been an absolute privilege to have served as Head Coach for the last one year. I thank the CAC, BCCI, CoA and all concerned.
I also wish to thank the innumerable followers of Indian cricket for their continued support. I will remain a well-wisher of the great cricketing tradition of my country forever.