Internet Desk: The long wait for India coach is over as former captain Anil Kumble is appointed the head coach for a term of 1 year. Board president Anurag Thakur made the formal announcement at the BCCI conclave in Dharamsala on Thursday.
Kumble faced stiff challenges from Ravi Shastri, who had a successful stint as Team Director with the Indian team. It also puts an end to the speculation that has been doing rounds for the last 72 hours.
The Cricket Advisory Committee that included stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman was bowled over by Jumbo’s presentation in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Among the other men who were invited for an interview were Lalchand Rajput, Pravin Amre, Tom Moody, Stuart Law and Andy Moles. Chief Selector Sandeep Patil, who had also applied for the post, was not interviewed.
In 132 Tests for India, Kumble took 619 wickets, most by any Indian bowler, while he snared 337 scalps in 271 ODIs. He became the second bowler only after England’s Jim Laker to take all ten wickets in a single innings of a Test in 1999.
He also led India in 14 Tests from 2007-08. His major achievements were the Test series win against Pakistan in 2007 and the victory against Australia at Perth in 2008.
“I thought it was the right time to give back (to Indian cricket). I have always put my hand up for challenges. I am looking forward to my stint,” said the 45-year-old former Test captain.
“It’s great honour to be back In Indian dressing room. It’s a huge responsibility”, he added.
“Thanks to BCCI and the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for showing faith in me. I am happy that some of the players I have played with were involved in the selection process. Sachin (Tendulkar), Sourav (Ganguly) and (VVS) Laxman were part of the CAC while Rahul Dravid is in charge of the junior teams,” Kumble said.
“I need to discuss with them how to take Indian cricket forward,” he added.
Kumble revealed that he took the decision to apply for the post after consulting his family. “I discussed with my family as I will have to be on the road for most part of the year. My wife has been very supportive. Once they agreed, I thought it was right time to join Indian cricket team again,” he said.