Bengaluru: Former India captain and the newly appointed coach of the Indian cricket team has urged his players to show fighting spirit on the ground. Talking about fighting spirit, no one can match the likes of Kumble as that was his trademark on the field.
The new coach met the Indian cricketers at a preparatory camp which started at the National Cricket Academy here in Bengaluru from Wednesday. It was a nostalgic feeling for the most successful bowler in Indian cricket as he walked into the NCA to have a session with the current Indian cricketers.
The Indian cricketers would be embarking on a tough test series against West Indies which gets underway from July 06. Virat Kohli and his men play four test matches starting with the test match at Antigua on July 21. On being asked what can be expected from his team as far as fighting spirit is concerned, India’s most successful bowler said, “I have been a player and captain, so I know the roles. I’ll share my experience with the players. One thing I will definitely do, win or lose, the fighting spirit will always be there.”
Kumble’s first test as coach of the Indian team will be in Antigua, the same venue where he bowled with a bandage after getting his jaw broken by a Mervyn Dillon boncer in 2002 series. The picture of Kumble bowling with a fractured jaw epitomizes his courage and fighting spirit. India is slated to play a total 17 test matches in the next one year. Talking about his first series as coach, Kumble said,
“Only four players have been to West Indies with India and a couple with the A team. (But) there is experience in the team. West Indies is always a tough team at home, although a lot of changes have happened and they are stronger in the shorter formats. And West Indies pitches are not what they used to be (not as lively).
Kumble did not hide his willingness to have someone as fast bowling coach to groom the faster bowlers. The BCCI has recently appointed Sanjay Bangar and Abhay Sharma as batting and fielding coaches who will be accompanying the Indian team for the tour of West Indies. Kumble said he would be hands-on in that department to start with.
“At this point, I thought I can get close to the bowlers. We are considering options, but I would like to observe how it is shaping up. It is a strategy I can be part of,” further adding “There are considerations of taking someone as fast bowling coach. I feel that in this area (bowling), I can contribute.”
It’s been quite a while since he last shared the Indian dressing room when he retired in 2008. But over the years he has mentored quite a few current Indian cricketers including test captain Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the IPL. On being asked to comment on the difference of the team he was part of and the current Indian team, Kumble said, “The fielding, of course is far more superior now with the fitness and skill. That probably stands out. They are young, and the average age is 25-26. But Virat has played close to 40 Tests and Ishant 60. When I retired, I played with those who went on to become great players. It is nice to be part of this journey again.”
Kumble said he had a long chat with limited-overs skipper Dhoni as well and played down the controversy over Shastri not being chosen as head coach after being an early favourite.
“He did a wonderful job. It is not about Ravi or Anil, it’s about the players, and it’s about the team. We all want the Indian team to do well, perform. I’m part of the journey now, and he was part of the journey before me. It could be someone else tomorrow. It’s not permanent. We all want Indian cricket to do well.”
The preparatory camp will have two sessions on each day. As it was raining here in Bengaluru, the players had an indoor session with Kumble at the NCA. The team is also planning to play a practice match at Alur on the third day of the camp.