Anil Kumble discusses roadmap for Team India

Bengaluru: Newly-appointed Team India coach Anil Kumble addressed the media on Wednesday in Bengaluru ahead of Indian cricket team's training camp for the West Indies tour.

The former India skipper pipped Ravi Shastri – former team director – and Tom Moody for the post.

Read: I have had enough of this, says Ravi Shastri

“I have spoken to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli at length about the future roadmap,” said Anil Kumble.

"I feel privileged to be with the Indian team again. They were very welcoming. I've spoken to MS Dhoni too at length, on the phone," added Kumble.

Read: Virat Kohli looks forward to work with 'Kumble Sir'

Kumble expressed happiness for being back in the dressing room once again since he quit international cricket. He also reiterated his ‘players first’ approach. Kumble said: “Being again back in the Indian dressing room is something special. Players will be in the front, the coaching and support staff will be in the background.”

"Looking at the challenges in the field, I will try to prepare the team. I have been the player and now I am the coach, so I understand both the roles well."

Read: I don’t impose ideas on players, says Anil Kumble

The former India captain, who ended his career as the third-highest wicket taker in the world, said he understands the role of a mentor.

"The role of staying in the background and it is the captain who takes all the calls on the field. I can only assist him in giving him whatever necessary information in terms of strategy, be it preparation. And whatever experience I have as a captain and player," Kumble said.

“You know the roles and boundaries as a coach, but otherwise no different being in the dressing room as player or coach,” added the ex-India skipper.

Kumble highlighted a fact that he is not thinking too much about his one-year tenure. “I'm not thinking of what will happen after one year. When I was made captain also I didn't think like that. My focus is on the game.”

Kumble, who retired from the international cricket in 2008, said he has stayed in touch with the developments after he hung his boots as a cricketer.

“I think I"m pretty close to the modern game in terms of cricket. I think I can blend my experience to that of a youngster. The fortunate thing is I've been close to the game in various capacities, so I know what the thinking for the future is,” said Kumble, who was Karnataka State Cricket Association president and is holding chairman post at ICC Cricket Committee.

Graciously skirting the controversy surrounding the snub Ravi Shastri received during his job interview, Kumble said it's the players who are the most significant part of the system and no one else.

Sourav Ganguly, one of the three members of the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), had absented himself when Shastri appeared for the interview, leaving the former Team India Director miffed.

Kumble said neither he nor Shastri or any other official is as important as the players.

"I was the first one to call Ravi after chosen as the head coach. He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. And it's not about Ravi or me or anyone else. It's about the players, it's about the team," said Kumble.

"From my point of view, we all want Indian team to do well, and perform at its best. We all believe that India team has the potential to dominate all three formats. He was part of this journey and (now) I am part of this journey. That's all what I have to say. He congratulated me and I told him we have a fantastic team.

"It could be somebody else tomorrow. I am not permanent here in this role. I have an opportunity to make a difference and I have an opportunity to be part of a journey. I am privileged and honoured to be part of this journey," he said.

After being overlooked for the job, Shastri had said Ganguly was disrespectful to him and the job he was entrusted with.

Presenting a fair idea of his leadership style in the role of India coach, Kumble said he will try to inculcate self belief in his bowlers as he wants them to develop as leaders.

Kumble, himself an inspiring figure in his playing days, had his first interaction with the players after taking over as chief coach as the training camp for the West Indies tour began here.

"I will try and observe how the team is shaping up and at this point in time, I would like to look at the bowlers. That is something I am looking at. (To) Get closer to the bowlers and understand what their needs are and then probably looking at bringing in a fast bowling coach. That is a consideration I am thinking of. Bowling is one area where I can contribute," Kumble said at a press conference.

"When I was a player, I used to feel that you are the captain of your own bowling, which I would like to try and inculcate, especially in the bowling group. That is important. All of them must believe that they are leaders," he added.

The 45-year-old new coach said that it was important to communicate with all the players, including the ones who would not make it to the playing XI.

"It's the captain who is in charge. As a coach I need to organise preparations for the team and giving informed input to captain and the team to strategise better, inclusive of every player. It's not just 11 who are going to play but also six or seven who are not going to play.

"I was dropped and not chosen for a tour, I understand being the most important member of the team to be dropped. I understand that communications during such times is critical for a coach to pick up the phone and say 'don't worry'. Hopefully I will succeed in communicating with the players."

Kumble exuded confidence of getting good results during the West Indies tour, where the team plays a four-Test series.

"Last time we went to West Indies, we had won the series 3-0, so we will take that confidence into the upcoming series. Indian team has been doing well in Tests. We have good chance of winning the series in West Indies and we will go there to win," said the former skipper.

"Last time when we won the series, Ishant (Sharma) was man of the series. Virat, Murali Vijay and Amit Mishra also did well, so there is a bit of experience of those conditions. I have also been there before so I will also contribute.”

"West Indies is always a tough team at home, although they are more formidable in the shorter format. However, conditions there is similar to India and the team is pretty geared up to live up to the challenge," said Kumble.

The spin-legend said he would look to live to the expectations as a coach.

"I feel this team is very talented. One thing I will ensure is that whether we win or lose, the fighting spirit should always be there."

Asked what has changed since he quit in 2008, Kumble said: "Fielding of course. That probably stands out. Excellent to the see the agility and the fitness levels now.

"Also, now the average age is 25, 26, and they already have experience of playing at highest level. Virat has played close to 40 Test matches and he is just 27, Ishant 60. So there is experience and youth. (It is) Nice to see that mix. Some of them are in the making of becoming great players." Kumble said he would do everything to ensure that Test cricket survives.

"Whatever it takes to popularise Test cricket, I am for it. We will play 17 Test matches in the next 12 months. That shows how important Test cricket is. Talking to the players I realised how much importance they give to Test cricket," he concluded.