Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli, Anil Kumble at loggerheads?

Mumbai: As Virat Kohli-led Indian side prepares to play their first match in ICC Champions Trophy 2017 against arch-rivals Pakistan, reports have emerged indicating of tensions brewing inside the Indian dressing room and players being unhappy with coach Anil Kumble.

It is learnt that Kumble, who replaced former Team Director Ravi Shastri at the helm of the affairs last year, has ruffled quite a few feathers in the dressing room.

It was reported that Kumble and Kohli were not a same page as the former leg-spinner wanted to field Kuldeep Yadav – a left-arm chinaman bowler – in the third India versus Australia Test in Ranchi. Kohli shot down the suggestion as the Test match ended in a draw. Kuldeep then made his debut in Dharamsala Test as Ajinkya Rahane led the side in absence of injured Kohli.

“This may or may not be the reason. But we believe the people in the corridors of power have been told that Kumble is overbearing and doesn’t give freedom to the players. It’s sad that aspersions are cast on a legend of Indian cricket,” a report in The Hindu quoted a BCCI official as saying.

BCCI, earlier this month, had invited applications for the role of Team India Head Coach. While Kumble was given a direct entry, BCCI’s decision not to extend Kumble’s contract can be an indicator that India may have a new coach post ICC Champions Trophy in England as Kumble’s one-year contract comes to an end by then.