Anil Kumble steps down as India head coach

Anil Kumble has stepped down as head coach of India’s men’s team ahead of the forthcoming limited-overs series against West Indies. It is learnt that Kumble, whose one-year contract expired on Sunday (June 18) at the end of the Champions Trophy, opted against a contract extension despite having been given that option.

With Kumble’s contract running down, on May 25, BCCI invited applications for the head coach’s role for the senior men’s side. However, the board clarified that the legendary spinner would get a “direct entry for the process” owing to his largely successful tenure. In the build up to the Champions Trophy, rumours of a rift between the Kumble and Indian captain Virat Kohli surfaced and is widely believed to be the reason for his decision to drop out of the race. According to a feedback on Kumble’s tenure, Kohli and some other cricketers, are said to have been discomforted by Kumble’s “intimidating” style of management.

It is understood that the committee comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman felt that Kumble remained the top choice to take the team forward. However, it also deemed that the stand-off between Kohli and Kumble was no longer resolvable. On Monday, Kohli met BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary, CEO Rahul Johri to explain his stance before departing to the Caribbean. Kumble stayed back in London to attend the ICC’s Chief Executives Committee meeting.

“While the Cricket Advisory Committee had endorsed an extension to his tenure as Head Coach, Mr Anil Kumble has decided not to continue as the coach,” BCCI stated in a media release.

Confirming the development, Choudhary said: “We wish to place on record our sincere appreciation for the immense contribution by Anil Kumble to the team which enabled India to attain the No.1 Test position. Indian cricket needs his continued contribution in various capacities and wishes him all the best in his future endeavour.”