Anil Kumble’s decision to not seek an extension as India coach seems to have displeased the BCCI’s advisory committee too. This body comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman is of the opinion that since their choice can’t be appointed coach because of objections from the captain, they might be forced to think of not consulting him or other players before selecting the new candidate.
According to a BCCI statement, the cricket advisory committee had “endorsed an extension to Kumble’s tenure as head coach.” Sources revealed that Virat Kohli’s views prevailing in spite of it has offended the committee, which appointed Kumble last year. “They have made it clear that while choosing the next coach, they may not consult the team or captain,” sources told Express.
The advisory committee might have been miffed by the fact that their efforts have been undermined along with their choice. Kumble was the one they selected and him rejecting the post amounts to other forces having the final word. This, according to sources, is what the stalwarts find unacceptable. “They have made their views clear. Let’s see how to go about it,” they said. Respected by teammates and opponents as player and captain, Kumble being unable to continue also raises questions about the BCCI’s system of appointing coaches.
Transparent it is in terms of inviting applications, but whether the applicants get the right environment to work is what the other candidates might start worrying about after all this.
This incident sets a precedent that has no parallel in India’s cricket history. A successful coach chosen by the establishment’s committee to do the selection is not taking up the offer because the captain is not happy with his ways! One can refer to the Greg Chappell era, but the difference with that and the Kumble episode is the board’s level of involvement, other than results.
In the Kumble episode, a section of the BCCI was unhappy with his involvement in matters like pay revision and participation in Champions Trophy. There are whispers in BCCI corridors that there had been a concerted effort to make things bitter for Kumble so that he doesn’t apply for the interview. Although he did, the board made no apparent effort to address the differences between him and the captain.
Now that Kumble has effectively resigned from the post that the committee chose him for, the ball is back in the BCCI’s court. It has announced that the advisory committee will interview the five remaining candidates. Dates are yet to be announced. With acting secretary Amitabh Chowdhry and CEO Rahul Johri attending ICC meetings in London, a call on dates is expected after their return.
The BCCI has a special general meeting lined up on June 26, which has been called mainly do discuss issues regarding implementation of Supreme Court orders on Lodha recommendations and outcomes of the ICC meeting. Selection of coach is not on the agenda. But matters outside the agenda can also be discussed.
“Given that CK Khanna (acting BCCI president) has already said that the decision on coach be taken at the SGM, it’s likely that this issue will come up at the meeting, even though there are several other important things to be discussed,” said a BCCI member.
venkatakrishna@newindianexpress.com