The partnership was ‘untenable’. That’s what Anil Kumble mentioned in his statement announcing his resignation as the coach of the Indian cricket team. The relationship between him and captain Virat Kohli had reached a breaking point quite some time ago. And in this clash of egos, it was Kohli who blinked last.
BCCI went with their captain and Kumble chose to resign rather than further complicate matters. He did have the offer to continue as the Indian coach for the upcoming tour of West Indies. But Kumble is too proud a man and too big a cricketing name to indulge in this kind of politics. At least, that’s how he came across with his timely resignation.
The last time there was a captain-coach clash in Indian cricket was during the Sourav Ganguly–Greg Chappell era. That was in 2005 and Chappell had resigned in 2007 after many of the senior players had complained against his overbearing personality, coaching methods – the list is endless. Those two years produced enough controversies to last a lifetime.
Before Chappell, Indian players were content with relaxed approach of John Wright. The New Zealander had a successful five-year stint with India. He had peace in the dressing room and also oversaw the progress of the team. The best part about Wright was that he preferred to be in the background.
After Chappell, India turned to Gary Kirsten. Another man who was comfortable in the shadows. Kirsten was able to deal with the larger-than-life personalities in the Indian dressing room. Under his command, India won the historic 2011 World Cup. He was happy working in the background and let the players bask in the glory.
After Kirsten walked away, citing ‘family reasons’ the next candidate was Duncan Fletcher. The Indian team also performed well under former England coach Fletcher – winning eight series in a row, including the 2013 Champions Trophy. After the 2015 World Cup, where India lost to Australia in the semi-finals, the Zimbabwean’s contract was not renewed.
Ravi Shastri who was already the Team Director from 2014, continued is his role and India didn’t have a ‘coach’ for one year. Then amidst much fanfare, Kumble was appointed in 2016. And now a year later he has left the seat vacant.
The Indian team had done well under Kumble. As coach, he won 12 of 17 Tests and never lost a Test series. The team won eight ODIs and lost five during his tenure.
But his relationship with captain Kohli was strained. There was a personality clash and neither one of those individuals are the types to back down. Kumble’s ‘overbearing’ approach didn’t go down well with Kohli and other senior players. And now India will begin the search for another coach.
If history is anything to go by, the BCCI would choose another Kirsten or a Wright, rather than a Chappell or Kumble. It would be harsh to club Kumble with Chappell but a soft-spoken, behind the scenes coach is what the Indian cricketers like. So either you provide that or you discipline the players. And that’s something the BCCI hasn’t done. Ever.
