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London, Debasis Sen: Anil Kumble who has been the head coach for the Indian national team has decided to step down from his post after he decided not to travel with the squad to West Indies for the upcoming tour.
Reports of a failing relationship between the Indian skipper Virat Kohli and the Indian head Coach Anil Kumble reached to a dead end after the latter stepped down from his post.
In a meeting with the Cricket Advisory Committee led by Sachin, Sourav and Laxman with Indian captain Kohli, it was made clear from the captain’s side that a dead end has been reached with him and Kumble. There was hardly any communication among the skipper and the coach as Kumble spent time with the bowlers and mostly kept himself alone.
Despite having a confirmed ticket, Kumble did not travel with team. This only added to the speculation. The ICC Cricket Committee meeting was known to BCCI officials present here. Both secretary Amitabh Chowdhury & CEO Rahul Johri knew about it. Since Kumble’s contract with BCCI ends with Champions Trophy, the former leg spinner has chosen to attend the meeting.
A BCCI official said that a small extension had been offered to Kumble by CEO Rahul Johri but Kumble had said no.
“BCCI CEO Rahul Johri had offered Kumble a two-week extension till the time there could have more clarity in the matter, but he refused to take it,” said the official.
“One thing that is clear is that Kohli and Kumble need to be on the same page if Kumble is to get an extension. Otherwise, a situation might arise wherein the players might find it difficult to handle the scenario. Imagine the coach wanting something and the skipper asking the players to do something else. That is a scenario that must be avoided,” said the official.