Who Said What to Anil Kumble being appointed new Indian coach
After a 16-year wait, the Indian Cricket Team finally has an Indian coach to head the national side as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Anil Kumble as the chosen candidate. The former Indian Test captain was given a one-year term.
Kumble will be taking charge of the Indian team from the upcoming Test series that India will play in West Indies in July-August. India's highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs was picked as the candidate by his former teammates, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, who are part of the BCCI Advisory Committee.
The race for the head coach role was mainly between Kumble and former Team India Director, Ravi Shastri. Despite not having any coaching experience or a coaching certificate, the 45-year-old was added to the fray after the BCCI had left a window for candidates with no experience open. Kumble, however, has been a mentor for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Here is how the cricketing fraternity reacted to his appointment:
New India head coach, Kumble spoke to media right after he was named as the coach and looked forward to the new challenge:
“It's a great honour and I would like to thank BCCI for this opportunity. I am thankful to BCCI and cricket advisory committee for showing faith in me. It is the right time and way to give back what all I have gained from the cricket.
“Have a great relationship with Sourav, Sachin, Laxman and Dravid. Have to sit with them to discuss plans. Too early to speak about plans. The strategy is to win against WI. Haven't yet spoken to players.”
BCCI President, Anurag Thakur:
“Indian cricket team deserves the best coach and BCCI has full faith in Anil Kumble. We take feedback from everyone, including media. This game is followed by millions. Anil Kumble will join the team for the West Indies tour. BCCI was happy with the performance of Ravi Shastri.”
Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag:
Jumbo news 4Team India.Congrats @anilkumble1074
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 23, 2016
To have a coach who cud play wid broken jaw wud be an inspiration fr guys in dressing room.
Indian opening batsman, Gautam Gambhir:
Congrats @anilkumble1074 for being appointed as India coach. Best choice @bcci, hopefully he'll take Indian cricket to new heights.
— GGF (@GautamGambhir) June 23, 2016
Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh:
Great news for indian cricket..congratulation Anil Bhai @anilkumble1074 for becoming the head coach of @BCCI ..good luck going forward
— Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh) June 23, 2016
England cricketer, Kevin Pietersen:
Anil Kumble the new Indian coach. Wonderful news for a great man! Best wishes, buddy!
— KP (@KP24) June 23, 2016
Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah:
Congratulations! Anil Kumble, for your appointment as India cricket team's head coach. https://t.co/H41bYT4Bu4
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) June 23, 2016
Cricket commentator, Harsha Bhogle:
Anil Kumble is an outstanding choice as coach of India. The expectations from him will be huge.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 23, 2016
Anil Kumble will be an excellent organiser and a top team man. And knowing him, he will respect the fact that the captain runs the team.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 23, 2016
Good on @ianuragthakur to acknowledge Ravi Shastri's contribution. Ravi had stepped in at a difficult time.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 23, 2016
Thumbs up to the procedure used in appointing the coach. Asked experts, stood by their judgement.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 23, 2016
Former Australian bowler, Nathan Bracken:
Congrat to @anilkumble1074 on the @BCCI head coaching role.
— Nathan Bracken (@NBRACKEN142) June 23, 2016
Former Australian women's cricketer, Lisa Sthalekar:
Wow massive news, you can see why @BCCI have chosen another former legend, #RaviShastri did such an exceptional job https://t.co/C1AB4cmEGd
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) June 23, 2016