It’s not about Ravi or Anil, it’s about the team doing well: Anil Kumble

Newly appointed Indian coach, Anil Kumble said that it doesn’t matter whether he is the coach or Ravi Shastri. What matters is how the team performs. He also said that it is a “special feeling” to be back in the dressing room.

“I was the first to call Ravi when I was appointed as the head coach. He did a fantastic job as team director. It’s not about Ravi or Anil, whoever may be the coach, it’s about the team doing well, performing to its best,” said Kumble.

The spin bowling legend was appointed as the coach the last week. He overtook Ravi Shastri who was the favorite to be the head coach. Shastri took over as team director after Duncan Fletcher’s tenure ended and led the team until the World T20 2016. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had advertised the coach’s post in June for which they received 57 applications, which was later shortlisted to 21 applications after the screening.

Kumble’s first assignment is India’s tour of West Indies where they will play 4 Test matches. “Ishant Sharma will lead the bowling on West Indies tour,” Kumble said ahead of the Caribbean tour.

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“We are considering options for bowling coach but right now I can get closer to the boys. I want the Team India bowling group to believe that they are leaders,” the former leg-spinner added.

He said that he had discussed the roadmap for the future of Indian cricket with Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. “I’ve spoken to Dhoni and Virat about the roadmap for the future.”

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The newly appointed head coach is also looking forward to emulating the former coaches in the likes of Gary Kirsten and John Wright in working behind the scenes. “Captain will take the call on the field, I will only assist him. Players will be in front. The coaching and support staff will be in the background.”

“Win or lose, the fighting spirit will always be there,” he said when asked what he will bring to Team India.