Team India manager’s complete report after the Champions Trophy is out

Several reports had emerged about a certain rift in Team India between the then head coach Anil Kumble and captain Virat Kohli during the build-up to the Champions Trophy 2017. The speculations were confirmed when Kumble quit as the coach before the tour to West Indies. In his resignation letter, the former coach made it clear that Kohli had reservations about his style of coaching, and that the relation between the two was untenable, which is why he thought it wise to quit.

As per the protocol, the team manager has to prepare a report after every series, at home or away and submit it to the BCCI. The current manager Kapil Malhotra’s report doesn’t discuss the details of the rift between Kohli and Kumble. But it mentions that he, Kapil, did not see much communication between the two. It also talks about the arrangements made by the ICC for Indian team’s lodging, the security provided to them, on Kohli’s respectful captaincy, on team selection and harmony in the dressing room. Malhotra has given a positive review of all of these aspects.

The only area of concern in the report emerges when he says he did not see much communication between the captain and coach but avoided specifying further details. He later also talks about the incident after the India-Pakistan game in which Mohammed Shami was agitated by a Pakistani supporter who asked the Indian cricketers “baap kaun hai?”

Read the full report here: 

I hear by duly submit my report, Champions Trophy 2017.

The arrangements made by  ICC at the airports both when we landed & left were excellent, the hotels where we were put up were good. Our local liaison Mr Vasant Bhatt was very accommodating and helpful.

Mr Peter Spinks our security in charge provided by ICC, worked very well with our security manager Mr Jaidev Joshi.

Our staff performed there functions with sincerity and dedication.

Before the tournament began, I had meetings with Mr Chris Tetley Head of events, meeting with Mr Neeraj Kumar & Miss Jill Mccraacken tournament safety & security manager, attended ACSU meetings. Had a meeting with Mr David Boon match Refree along with head coach Mr Anil Kumble.

Both ICC venue managers Oval, Mr Dhiraj Malhotra and Edgbaston, Miss Sarah Edgar were very helpful & cooperative.

Our Captain Mr Virat Kohli was very positive, was always approachable & respectful, even when the team had a bad day on the field, he encouraged the players to go out & express themselves & perform better, in the team meetings he spoke about intensity required on the field & led by example.

All the team members got along well & behaved like true professionals & were always seen encouraging each other.

There was harmony in the dressing room, the coaches Mr Anil Kumble, Mr Bangar, Mr Sridhar & senior players like Mr MS Dhoni & Mr Yuvraj Singh were helpful to the younger players.

Team meetings were held one day before all the games, which I attended.

Team selections were held one day before, both the selectors Mr MSK Prasad, Mr Devang Gandhi, head coach Mr Anil Kumble, Captian Mr Kohli & myself attended the meetings, the selection for all the games was unanimous. The minutes of the selection committee meeting are ready in hard copy.

Initially When I met Mr Anil Kumble I found him to be slightly reserved, but  as the tournament progressed I found him more approachable.

I must add that I did not see much communication between the Coach & the Captain, personally I did not witness any arguments between the two.

The Team members played well throughout the tournament & gave there 100 percent, it was unfortunate that we did not win the final.

Suggestions

Going forward, would suggest that there is enough time given to the squad to rest when they arrive, after long flights, before they start there activities, at least a couple of days, because If you see the scheduling, the day we got into London in the morning, within a few hours the Captain had to attend the arrival press conference, then captains photo shoot, then the entire squad had to attend Anti-Doping educational briefing along with ACU educational briefing.

The next day we were at Lords practicing.

Enough water should be provided in team rooms at the hotel, we were provided 2 crates of water which was not sufficient.

Security concerns

There were 3 incidents reported by our security manager.

1. On the final day of the tournament after the prize distribution ceremony, as the players were walking up the steps, one of the spectators said something to Mr Shami, who was upset initially, but let go of the incident as it could have got the spectator into trouble, this could have been avoided had there been more distance between the spectators & the team members.
2. When we were about to leave the Oval after the finals, we were informed by our security manager that a minor incident had taken place with the door of the team bus, this was sorted out & the team bus arrived a little late.
3. Our team analyst Mr Tulli left his passport & money at the hotel in his room locker, in Birmingham, our security officer informed the hotel regarding this, only the passport was returned & we were informed there was no money found in the locker. Our security manager had taken up this issue with the security department of the ICC.

I hear by submit my report in as unbiased & accurate manner as I can.

Regards,

Kapil Malhotra

Details of the report as published by Indiatoday