New Delhi: The irony of being the lone Indian head coach in an IPL franchise is not lost on Anil Kumble. However, Anil Kumble firmly believes that the piece of statistic is not a ‘true reflection’ of India’s coaching resources.
Lack of Indian coaches in IPL
A look at the IPL squad roster shows that seven franchises have non-Indian head coaches. They are Ricky Ponting (Delhi Capitals), Brendon McCullum (KKR), Stephen Fleming (CSK), Mahela Jayawardene (Mumbai Indians) and Trevor Bayliss (Sunrisers Hyderabad). Joining them are Simon Katich (RCB) and Andrew McDonald (Rajasthan Royals).
“I would like to see more Indian coaches in the IPL. It is not a true reflection of the Indian resources. I would want to see many Indians being part of the IPL as head coaches. There are good coaches in India too,” Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) head coach Kumble said Tuesday. “It is a bit of an irony – one Indian as head coach. I think at some point of time there will be a lot more Indian coaches,” the former India captain added.
Selection problems
Kumble was speaking from Dubai. The KXIP team have been based in Dubai since August 20. Kumble said his players are in good shape both mentally and physically. They are following all protocols while going about their job in IPL’s strict bio-bubble.
KXIP have never won the IPL. They are aiming to go all the way this time with a strong squad at their disposal. Picking the best Indian players in the playing XI will be tough. However picking the four overseas recruits will be even tougher as KXIP are spoilt for choice.
Chris Gayle in a new role
Kumble was asked if 40-year-old Chris Gayle will continue to play bulk of the games like he did in the past two seasons. The head coach said Gayle would also be more involved within the leadership group. His mentor’s role will be as important as his big hitting at the top of the order.
The other overseas players in KXIP are Glenn Maxwell, Chris Jordan, Jimmy Neesham, Nicholas Pooran, Mujeeb Zadran, Hardus Viljoen and Sheldon Cottrell. The last named player was bought at a whopping Rs 8.50 crore.
“We still have to see the conditions at the main ground as we have been practising (at ICC Academy). Chris has a major role even as player and even otherwise,” Kumble said. “His leadership, his experience, the youngsters look up to him. It is not just Chris the batsman we are looking at but Chris in a leadership role. I want him to be active on the mentorship role,” Kumble asserted.
The coach said that a few practise games will give him an idea about the combinations he is looking for. “Not just foreign players, picking Indian players will be a challenge. We have a few practise games that will we will tell us (the best combination),” said Kumble.
Maxwell vital player
India’s highest Test wicket-taker said the team have plugged the gaps with Maxwell’s comeback. Now they also have a fast bowler who can be also effective in the death in Cottrell.
“We have a strong team. We needed an impact player in the middle. Not just with batting and fielding, Maxwell is also handy with the ball. And the fast bowler (Cottrell) who bowls at the death will be useful,” Kumble pointed out.
Protective environment useful
Kumble also is seeing the bright side of being in a protected environment. He said three weeks of training will allow the support staff to know the players better, especially the younger lot.
“The reason I have taken up (the role) is that we have great squad to go all the way. My role is preparing the team to achieve success. I don’t want to go too far ahead, one game at a time,” Kumble stated.
“(After arriving in Dubai), it was my first time meeting with the whole squad. Because of the COVID-19 situation (and bio-bubble), we are able spend more time with the team than usual. That way we have been able to understand not just seniors but even the younger lot,” he added.