I feel very sad for Anil Kumble, says Mohammad Azharuddin

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin recently spoke on one of the most infamous sagas of Indian cricket of the recent times. Former Indian coach Anil Kumble had to make an unceremonious exit from the post of the head coach after the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy. He had abruptly stepped down from the position citing the mismatched frequency between him and the Indian captain Virat Kohli.

As per the recent quotes in the Indian Express, Mohammad Azharuddin noted that he feels sad for Kumble. He explained further that a person like Kumble deserved much better treatment. However, he did mention that it was right on Kumble’s part to step down as the head coach of the team.

“I feel very sad for him. It is sad that something like this happened to Anil. Knowing Anil, I don’t think he is that type of a person. Maybe he thought it is better to be away than losing your self-respect. I think he took the right decision,” said Azharuddin.

On Shastri’s remarks

The BCCI appointed Ravi Shastri as the new coach of the Indian team. Shastri tasted success instantly with the Indian team registering a series win in Sri Lanka. In one of the media interactions, Shastri went on to quote that the current lot of the Indian team has achieved more than any other Indian side before. Mohammad Azharuddin feels that it is wrong on Shastri’s part to be comparing players of different eras.

“The Indian team in those days were different to the team now so it is unfair to compare. He (Shastri) was also part of the team in those days so he is also including himself. The bowlers were different, the opposition teams were different so it is difficult to compare between the two eras,” quoted Mohammad Azharuddin.

On Sreesanth case

Another news that has been trending these days is the controversy surrounding the lifting up of the ban on tainted cricketer S Sreesanth. Speaking on the issue, Azhar conceded that if the court deems it right o lift the ban, then the cricket board has to accept the move. He also had a few words of praise for Sreesanth.

“I think if the court order has come then they have to follow it. He has lost four years but Sreesanth will have to bring his fitness up to the required standards. He will have to put in good performances. According to me, Sreesanth was one of the finest fast bowlers but I think he was not handled properly. If he was handled better, he would have turned out to be a good fast bowler. If you see very few bowlers could manage to land the ball on the seam as he did, so he was very good. The BCCI will have to take a positive decision (on Sreesanth) if the court has given an order,” said the former Indian captain.