Debasis Sen, London: Following reports of a rift between India Coach Anil Kumble and Captain Virat Kohli, the Committee of Administrators head Mr Vinod Rai is flying in to England to discuss the issue with both of them.
Mr Rai is likely to meet both Kumble and Kohli in Birmingham ahead of the all important clash against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. He is also likely to discuss the issue of the appointment of coach with former cricketers and cricket advisory committee members Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. The inputs of both Tendulkar and Ganguly will be very important as their inputs will determine the appointment of the next coach.
The BCCI had earlier advertised the coach’s post and invited applications till May 31, which is tomorrow, and clarified that Kumble’s would be an automatic entry. The interviews, if required, would be conducted on June 5 and 6 – most probably via internet/teleconference – and the coach’s name would be announced on June 10, said a BCCI insider.
The process has apparently been fast-tracked with the Indian team due to leave for a short tour of the West Indies (June 23-July 9) from London, just two days after the Champions Trophy ends on June 18.
The CoA reportedly learned of the Kohli-Kumble tussle only on May 21 and its chairman Vinod Rai then decided to pacify warring parties and find a middle path; to advertise for the post of coach.
Mr Rai was unable for ant comments as he is now in Singapore and would only return to India tomorrow.
Rai is coming London on a private visit by co-incidence. It is gathered that he is keen to speak to all the parties involved, including the BCCI-appointed Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) that will pick the coach after interviewing the candidates. The CAC comprises former legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, with the first two names currently in England.