Anil Kumble on Virat Kohli, India's South Africa tour and alleged WhatsApp leaks

Mumbai: Former Team India head coach Anil Kumble on Saturday was confident that Virat Kohli-led India would perform well in the upcoming tour to South Africa, saying that the team would create history.

Read: Did Anil Kumble leak private WhatsApp conversation with Virat Kohli and Co to media?

Kumble was speaking at the Sports Writers Association of Bangalore (SWAB) awards event, where he was awarded the ‘Coach of the Year’ award.

Also read: Anil Kumble steps down as Team India head coach

"I'm confident that the team which we have will certainly go on to create history in South Africa and then beyond. That's the confidence I have," he stated to Times of India.

Kumble also was optimistic of Virat Kohli continuing to lead the side positively.

"I'm sure the team under Virat certainly has the capabilities to achieve that and continue all the good work they have been doing,” he added.

Anil Kumble had resigned from the post of head coach on June 20, following a reported rift with Virat Kohli. Following his exit, former Team Director Ravi Shastri had taken charge as the team’s coach.

The former legendary spinner also spoke about the role of a coach in a team.

"I think coaches in cricket don't have too much to say or too much to do. But nonetheless this is an excellent recognition of all the good work that the team did over the past one year and they have continued with their winning ways.”

This wouldn't have happened without the support group, all the support team that I had over the past year has been exceptional. So thanks to them, thanks to the members of the team,” he further commented.

Back in May, there were reports suggesting that the 47-year-old had leaked one-on-one conversations with cricketers to the Indian media.

"We've been told that there is a WhatsApp group created by Kumble of his few trusted media friends and few confidential talks between him and senior players were leaked through that," a source had told to DNA back then.

Kumble had once provided information related to cricket to some journalists. He apologised for the same.

“Sorry to all journalists for not putting you all in my WhatsApp group,” he said.

Virat Kohli and co will kick off their long tour to South Africa with the first Test on January 5. The three Tests will be followed by six ODIs and three T20s.