Xtra Time Web Desk : Former India captain Virat Kohli felt the youngsters in the Indian team felt intimidated with the presence of Anil Kumble in the dressing room. The hot and cold relation between the Kohli and former Team India Head Coach Kumble is no more an open secret in Indian cricket. is highlighted in former BCCI Committee of Administrator chairman Vinod Rai’s latest book, Not Just a Nightwatchman — My Innings in the BCCI.
According to Vinod Rai the Virat Kohli-Anil Kumble episode could have been handled differently even though the then captain and head coach had a far-from-healthy working relationship.
Notably, Kumble had stepped down as head coach after a public fallout with Kohli following the Champions Trophy in 2017.
According to Rai, after his conversations with the then captain Kohli and team management, it was conveyed to him that Kumble was too much of a disciplinarian and hence the team members were not too happy with him.
Rai further added that he had spoken to Virat Kohli on the issue and he did mention that the younger members of the team felt intimidated by the way he worked with them.
On the other hand, Kumble told the CoA that he did what he thought was the best for the Indian team.
According to Rai, Kumble’s successful record as head coach should have been taken into consideration rather than the perceived grievances of players.