BCCI BEGINS HUNT FOR NEW COACH, NO AUTO EXTENSION FOR KUMBLE

SURPRISING MOVE Incumbent Anil Kumble, whose term expires in June, remains a contender

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has started the hunt for a new coach for the India team. Anil Kumble, who had a successful yearlong stint with Virat Kohli’s team will finish with the ICC Champions Trophy in UK next month.

The BCCI has invited applications from candidates for the head coach’s position.

Kumble will be a direct entry. But interestingly, he has not got an automatic extension despite having had a terrific time with the India team.

The BCCI advertisement has come with India about to defend the Champions Trophy, raising some questions.

IMPRESSIVE RECORD

In 17 Tests, Anil Kumble saw India winning a dozen, drawing four and losing just one against Australia. India have even retained their No 1 Test ranking.

BCCI’s three-member Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman will select the coach, a Board release said on Thursday.

SHASTRI TENURE

Last year, the BCCI advertised for the head coach’s job for the first time. While incumbent Ravi Shastri was the top contender for the post then, Kumble got the job.

Shastri, who was team director until India’s 2016 World T20 campaign ended in the semifinals, had the strong backing of Test skipper Virat Kohli.

The duo had struck a strong relationship since Kohli took over as Test skipper in Australia in early 2015, and during the series wins in Sri Lanka and South Africa late in 2015.

Although many candidates didn’t seem to respond to the advert initially, the game changed once Kumble put his name forward.

Kumble had captained all three advisory committee members --- Ganguly, Tendulkar and Laxman --- and was successful in reaching out to his former teammates on what his plans to take the team forward were.