Anil Kumble, former Test captain of the Indian cricket team, was named the new coach of the team by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last month, as members of the crucial cricket advisory committee, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar vouched for their team-mate. The legendary spinner has been appointed on a one-year contract, with India’s four-Test tour of West Indies in July set to be his first assignment. We ask celebrities what they think about Anil’s appointment and the future of the team in his hands.
John Manoj, Cricket Coach: Anil can be the perfect mentor
Given his experience, Anil Kumble is a perfect choice to coach the Indian cricket team. He has coached Mumbai Indians and the Karnataka Ranji team in the past. There is always a communication gap when international coaches take over. Indian cricket team has players from all over the country, and Anil has the potential to communicate with everyone. Players too would find it easy to communicate with an Indian coach. With Virat Kohli heading the Test team, there is no better combination I can think of than Virat-Anil. Anil is someone who can be calm and Virat adds the much needed passion. Anil can be more than a coach — he can be the perfect mentor.
Sharmin Ali, entrepreneur and theatre artiste: ‘Anil has proved his mettle in all formats’
I think it’s a fair appointment by the selection committee led by Sourav Ganguly. We’ve had enough stints with international coaches. I think as a coach, Anil will understand the transformation that an Indian player goes through from his domestic to international cricket journey in India, since he too has had the same journey. Moreover, Anil has proved his mettle in both the formats of the game, over the years. India’s strength has always been its batting line-up, hence having a successful bowler coach would bring a new perspective to the team. Having two complementary characters in leading roles in the team is a great match. For instance, Sourav Ganguly was more successful with John Wright than with Greg Chappell.
Lakshmipathy Balaji, cricketer: ‘No better cricketer to coach indian team’
I have grown up aspiring to be like Anil Kumble, and have learnt so much watching him play. There can’t be a better cricketer to coach the Indian team. Anil makes sure he gives a 100 per cent to whatever he does. I feel Indian cricket is in the best hands —Anil is tough and at the same time balanced. Anil has always worked with a ‘never say die’ attitude. His influence and presence itself is a great boost for the Indian cricket team. I think youngsters would love his presence. He’s been playing for three decades and has so much to offer the team. It’s wonderful to have someone like Anil bhai in the dressing room.
Bishan Singh Bedi, former Indian cricketer: ‘Anil is pragmatic’
Anil Kumble’s choice is a very fair appointment. He is a grounded person and his cricketing IQ is very high. I have never been in favour of an international coach when it comes to handling the Indian team. It is about coaching an Indian team and an Indian should be handling that. Coaching at this level is bit of a misnomer; you need somebody who can only motivate the kids on field. How can he possibly coach Virat Kohli? He can only share his personal experiences. Coaching is only at grassroots level, say for under-14 or under-16. At the international level, he has to build up a good rapport with the team and coach them into doing some challenging jobs — both individually as well as collectively. That is his role. International teams have coaches these days but when we used to play cricket, the coach used to invariably be the captain of the team. As opposed to earlier times, there is a head coach, fielding coach, trainer, batting coach, physiotherapist, etc. to help the kids on field. You can have as many discussions on the laptop about making strategies and team management but ultimately when you are on the field, it is the ‘leg talk’ that matters. Anil Kumble is a very pragmatic person, and he must and he will always remain in the background. It is the job of the team to perform. There is no medication that he can pass on to the kids for some successful innings.
Barinder Sran, cricketer: ‘Anil will understand bowlers better’
If I get to play under him, it will be a great opportunity since he has been a successful bowler for India. It will be brilliant if I can learn a few tricks from him. He will understand bowlers better. I have only had a formal introduction with him in the past.
Sanju Samson, Indian cricketer: ‘Anil is suitable for the role’
I was very happy to hear Anil Kumble has been appointed as the new coach. I haven’t spent much time with him, but I feel that he is good at managing the team, which makes him most suitable for this role. Also, I think it’s the junior members of the team who need more coordination than the seniors, since the latter have already been in the field for long and have a certain rapport amongst themselves.
