India’s new coach has declared that his top priority would be building a team that can travel with confidence. The Indian test side struggles on grounds other than the subcontinent.
The country’s most successful bowler, Kumble has been given a one-year term as head coach on Thursday. BCCI has put their faith in the 45-year-old despite his lack of coaching experience.
Fifty-seven applications for the job were received by BCCI which were scrutinised by an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman.
The only coaching experience that Kumble has is of being a mentor to the Mumbai and Bangalore teams in the Indian Premier League T20 tournament, and he said his first job interview was a “nerve-wracking” experience.
“It was very different because this was the first (job) interview that I was attending,” Kumble said. “My colleagues who I have played with throughout my career were on the other side of the table.
“It was very strange. It was quite nerve-wracking.”
The Virat Kohli led Indian test team has won a series in Sri Lanka and beat South Africa 3-0 at home, but their overall record outside the subcontinent in the longest format has been poor.
They have lost a test series in South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia on tours since late 2013, something Kumble wants to rectify.
“The focus will be on our overseas record,” Kumble told the board’s website (www.bcci.tv). “The mindset … I believe we need to start looking to address that from home itself.
“So when we sit down we will look to make a plan and ensure that we train towards achieving those goals.”
Kumble’s first assignment as coach would be the upcoming camp in Bengaluru before heading to the Caribbean for a four-test series against West Indies.
“It’s nice to have a camp in Bengaluru. We will sit down and iron out our plans and be ready for West Indies,” said the former leg-spinner, who took 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 wickets from 271 one-day internationals.
“Getting 20 wickets in test cricket will win you matches and that will be the focus,” he said, adding that he wanted to work in the background and take the pressure off his captain’s shoulders, both on and off the field.
“I believe this team has the potential. It’s a young team and it’s driven by a young leader and it will be nice to work with Virat (Kohli).”
The article first published on www.lafdatv.com
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