‘Appointing a bowling coach for Team India Anil Kumble’s prerogative’, says Sourav Ganguly

‘Appointing a bowling coach for Team India Anil Kumble’s prerogative’, says Sourav Ganguly

By CricketCountry Staff Updated: Jul 08, 2016, 1:04 PM IST
Team India has left the Indian shores and arrived in the Caribbean isles for a four-Test series which commences July 21. Newly appointed head coach Anil Kumble and couple of assistant coaches (Sanjay Bangar, batting and Abhay Sharma, fielding) are also with the team. Unlike India’s few recent assignments, this team does not have a proper bowling coach, as Kumble himself is more than capable of handling the responsibility. ALSO READ: 13 anecdotes that exemplify Sourav Ganguly as witty, quick-thinking and master of ripostes. Till a few days back, there were speculations that former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan may take over as the bowling coach, or at least some wanted him to take the role. And now, with the talks on the absence of proper bowling coach gathering strength, Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) member and one of the three men who selected Kumble for the role, Sourav Ganguly has commented on the matter, saying it is coach’s discretion whether to have an assistant or not. ALSO READ: Revealed: How Team India's coach Anil Kumble got his nickname 'Jumbo' "It is Anil's prerogative. Since he is a bowler, maybe, he did not appoint a bowling coach. I also have read in the newspapers that he may rope in pace bowling coach later. Let me stress that Sachin [Tendulkar] and [VVS] Laxman have no role in appointing Anil's assistant coaches," Ganguly told mid-day in an interview. On being asked about the possibility of having Zaheer as the bowling coach, Ganguly said, “I have no knowledge about this (Zaheer). BCCI will have to see whether Zaheer is available for 365 days or not." Ganguly, who is also the President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), celebrates his 44th birthday today.