Anil Kumble has been a fighter and a winner throughout his career. His spell with a broken jaw against West Indies is a prime example of sheer determination and courage. His disciplined approach to this bowling saw Kumble emerge as India’s biggest match winner. Whatever responsibilities he was given, right from leading the bowling pack to captaining Team India, he took them on and applied the same meticulous method to excel.
This time, though, he is in an unfamiliar territory. He is a fighter, a leader, an inspirational figure, but coaching is not something one associates with Anil Kumble. And that too the head coach of the Indian team; one of the most high-pressured jobs in the world.
It is the same job which saw the likes of Kapil Dev, Greg Chappell and some big names of the game succumb to. Managing a team of superstars, match-winners is not a walk in the park, and it is going to be no different for Kumble, who has little or no coaching experience.
Kumble has a number of challenges ahead of him, especially in the coming month or so as he will be trying to put in place a system, making personal bonds plus planning for the West Indies tour, all at the same time.
Different formats, different captains
This is the most obvious challenge Kumble will be facing. MS Dhoni is India’s captain in limited-overs format, while Virat Kohli is the leader in the longer version of the game. They both have contrasting styles on the cricket field. While Dhoni is a calm in his approach, Kohli is someone more expressive.
Kumble shares a good rapport with Dhoni as he had mentored Dhoni while captaining the Indian team. So, working with him is not going to be much of a hassle. But the same cannot be said about Kohli. The Indian Test captain is a complete opposite to Dhoni. He likes to remain aggressive and never shies away from taking on the opposition. The same streak could be seen in many other young teammates, who are ready to indulge in a verbal spat.
“I love his aggression. I was no different.” This is a statement coming right out of Kumble only means he’s leaning the art of diplomacy. How often we saw Kumble having a go at the opponent? Rarely or never. He was aggressive with his bowling not with his words.
Less time, too much to prove
The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has played it safe. They have offered just a one year’s contract to Kumble, giving the excuse of his lack of coaching experience. But how leaving a sword hanging can only add more pressure on the high profile job.
Man management skills
The coming season is crucial for the Indian team. They are playing as many as 13 Tests at home. It is going to be a gruelling season. Kumble needs to manage his resources well. He has a very talented squad at his disposal, but they have to perform as a unit and win matches. Kumble’s new endeavour will test how good he is in managing the superstars, and take the team forward.
The new Indian coach has started off pretty well to say the least. He has spoken extensively to Dhoni, Kohli and other stakeholders in Bangalore, organised musical bonding sessions but the real action will start from July 21 in the West Indies. No matter how many meeting you do, ultimately the on field performance is what count. Kumble will be hoping to start his coaching career on a winning note to ease some pressure off. Meanwhile, it is going to be a fascinating journey for him, this time not in the sun, but in the shadow.
