Anil Kumble calls in senior members of Indian team

Barely a few days into his new coaching role, Anil Kumble has begun to form a more concrete structure with the stakeholders of the Indian cricket team. A source close to the BCCI stated that Kumble called for a meeting with India ‘A’ and U19 coach Rahul Dravid, India ODI skipper MS Dhoni, and the Test skipper Virat Kohli.

“Kumble wants things to run in a smoother fashion especially at the India A and U-19 level. He also wants for the coaching at the NCA to be more streamlined. It will be a meeting that’s first of its kind and it’s imperative that all the stakeholders present their views,” a top BCCI official said.

The source also added that Kumble understands that he will have to work closely with the stakeholders should the Indian team become a formidable force yeat again.

“Kumble is sure that if the Indian team has to move forward then all stakeholders will have to work together. He can’t change things on his own. The Indian team has played good cricket at home but he wants to get different views on what is needed for them to do well overseas, like probably having more exposure trips for our bench strength,” the source added.

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“As a coach, I would like to pick the phone and say listen, you are still part of the team. That is what I will look to do. Hopefully, I will succeed in at least telling players who are dropped that they are still part of the system,” Kumble had earlier said.

“He wants to make sure that every player in the system is being monitored at all times. Say a fast bowler is injured or he’s more of a Test specialist and is on the sidelines when the team’s playing an ODI series, Kumble wants routine reports on what they are up to as well,” the source added.