Anil Kumble on a sticky wicket

If Kumble is indeed shown the door, the BCCI will struggle to provide a justification for his ouster

The mere mention of Greg Chappell in India’s elite cricketing circles is mostly met with scorn and deep revulsion. In the annals of Indian cricket, this is one chapter no one wishes to revisit. But then, the Australian’s time with the Indian team was so calamitous that the episode refuses to completely empty out of the mind, either. Perhaps that is why, even almost a decade after the Chappell misadventure, any rumour of a coach-captain spat in the Indian team is greeted with unmitigated trepidation. 

Despite reports of a rift between Anil Kumble and Indian skipper Virat Kohli rekindling distressing memories from a bygone era, it would be grossly unfair to compare the incumbent Indian coach with the tyrannical and often delusional figure of Chappell. In the latter’s case, his squabbles with the Indian players reached a public crescendo in the run-up to the 2007 World Cup; all personality clashes were being played out in the open. 

As for Kumble, a players’ revolt, if any, has either been potently quelled, or been deftly kept under wraps until now. Because, India, at least on the surface, looks like a team that only has cricketing matters on its mind. The walloping of New Zealand and Bangladesh in the two warm-up games ahead of its Champions Trophy defence have served as timely reminders. 

But with the deadline to apply for India’s coaching position expiring, it is pretty much evident that Kumble is unlikely to continue in his role post the Champions Trophy. Much to everyone’s surprise, Kumble was offered only a one-year contract last June, and was asked to apply once again earlier this month in order to get an extension — an indication that Kohli wants Kumble out.  According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received applications from Virender Sehwag, Lalchand Rajput, Aussie Tom Moody and Englishman Richard Pybus for the prestigious job. Kumble is a direct entrant. 

Sources close to the BCCI say that a truce is looking seemingly unlikely. Kohli has expressed his displeasure to the Board over Kumble’s working methods and “autocratic” style. “This is a clear case of two big personalities coming head to head. This is not really a cricketing problem; it’s just how the team is functioning off the field,” says one person in the know. 

Kumble is known to be a hard taskmaster. More important, he is an assiduous trier much like he was as a player. “He really puts you through your paces. But some players are unhappy that they are being pushed too much,” says a Board official. Over the past few months, Kumble has asked a couple of key players to train through pain, refusing to grant permission that would have otherwise allowed them rest. 

Unlike Indian teams of the past, the current one is bereft of multiple power centres. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni not enjoying the prominence he once did, this is Kohli’s team all the way. It is built around his brash and all-or-nothing persona. Moreover, Kohli’s approach to all things cricket is fairly uncompromising, unlike Dhoni’s. “If Kohli has made up his mind, then it’ll be almost impossible for Kumble to stay. The imprint on this team is fully his,” adds the official. 

Others opine that the Board understands the importance of Kohli, capable coaches they can find; a discussion over Kohli’s replacement is just a non-starter. 

If Kumble is indeed shown the door, the Board will find it difficult to offer a cricketing justification for his ouster. Under the 46-year-old, the Indian team won four successive Test series in the home season that ended, which included a whitewash of both New Zealand and England. India, in the past year, have conjured up an invincible aura around them in all three formats — Kumble has skillfully transformed prodigious talents into world-beaters. Players such as Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have openly appreciated and applauded the coach’s help and acumen. Clearly, Kohli and the spin duo are not on the same page when it comes to offering such gratitude. 

Unfortunately, for India, the talk of a new coach comes amid them trying to launch an attack to win the Champions Trophy for a second consecutive time. Whatever Kumble’s methods, they have worked, and emphatically so. More than the state of affairs in the dressing room right now, Kohli is better off thinking about his team composition which is a tough task given the quality of the squad ahead of their tournament opener against Pakistan on Sunday. For now, Kohli will need Kumble’s help.