India loses its very best

It is a sad day for Indian cricket and for the sport in general. Anil Kumble, head coach of the Indian cricket team, has stepped down. News reports suggest that Indian captain Virat Kohli had reservations regarding Kumble’s style as well as his continuing as coach. The partnership between the captain and coach was ‘untenable’. Kumble put in his papers as soon as this was brought to his notice by the BCCI and Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) with a letter which spoke volumes of him yet again as a true gentleman and a thorough disciplinarian. The Indian cricket team is poorer without a head coach with the attributes that Anil Kumble brought to the table. The respect for the Indian team from every nation was million-fold while he remained head coach. In fact, the team looked rich and strong under Kumble.

Records of Indian victories in the last year stand testimony to his discipline, coaching abilities, leadership qualities et al. We have beaten the best, series after series have gone India’s way under him. What more could a captain ask for? Kohli should have been given the ultimatum to not abuse the rights of a captain and not dictate terms to the governing body. That the captain prevailed has established that the board is a pawn and puppet in the hands of a captain. Kumble’s parting note was laced with grace and was principled and professional. Wishing him the very best. — Ameena Hashim, by e-mail

The recent exit of soft and sophisticated Anil Kumble is not a healthy development. According to the media, skipper Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble could not get along. It seems like politics plays a major role in sports, too. We will have to wait and see who the new coach will be. — K Ragavan, India