London: Even though only four days remain for India to start their campaign in the Champions Trophy, a dark and dangerous cloud cover has engulfed the team, one which can derail the side from their goal in retaining the title which they won in 2013. It is an issue that may severely affect the performance of the team in the tournament.
Speculations are rife that skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Anil Kumble are at loggerheads and a ‘battle of attrition’ has started between the two regarding wresting control of the team.
If sources are to be believed, Kohli has already informed top BCCI officials and a couple of members of the Supreme Court-appointed committee regarding his displeasure about Kumble. Many have termed this ongoing rift as Sourav Ganguly-Greg Chappell part-II.
Situations according to many have reached such a stage that the two protagonists are rarely interacting with each other. Now if the skipper and the head coach refrain from talking then certainly it is not a good omen for the side before the start of an important event.
The BCCI has tried its best to pacify the situation, but has not been able to find an amicable solution. It has asked two of its technical committee members – Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar – both of whom are currently in England to talk to both Kumble and Kohli. However, there are enough indications among the BCCI’s sources that the Champions Trophy will be Kumble’s last assignment with the team and his contract won’t be renewed.
But then why did the two, who gelled so well at the beginning, turn ‘enemies’. According to sources, Kumble’s strict disciplinarian attitude has antagonised most of the players, who feel they are being ‘treated’ as under-19 cricketers. Most of them are of the opinion that as senior cricketers they are well aware of their responsibilities and that they need not be bound by rules.
The second complaint against Kumble has been his effort to take total control of the team as well as trying to hog the media limelight. In his last meeting with the BCCI officials May 21, Kumble requested for voting rights during selection committee meeting. At present, the coach and the captain can attend a meeting, but do not have voting rights. Many cricketers of the present team including Kohli saw this move as an attempt to take over the reins of the side.
Technical aspects have also cropped up with Kumble’s coaching methods. Pacers and batsmen through Kohli have told BCCI officials that they are not getting proper ‘guidance’ when they are out of form. But then these things are bound to happen once the captain and coach are at different poles.
Back in reckoning
New Delhi: Ravi Shastri, has once more emerged as a contender for the post of head coach of the Indian cricket team in case the BCCI does not renew the contract of Anil Kumble after his term expires. Shastri has always been a favourite of Virat Kohli because he has never interfered in team selection matters. The other contender to emerge is former India opener Virender Sehwag. However, he has openly stated that he wants to be a ‘mentor’ and not a coach.
Agencies