Anil Kumble races past Ravi Shastri to become India’s new head coach

BCCI's advisory committee, which comprised of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, eventually chose Anil Kumble over Ravi Shastri as India's head coach.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced former India captain Anil Kumble as the new Head Coach for a year. Kumble will join the team at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, on June 29 for a camp ahead of the West Indies tour. However, Kumble managed to pipped former India player and Team Director Ravi Shastri in the race. BCCI’s advisory committee, which comprised of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, eventually decided to their former captain. Nonetheless, reports say that two of these legends went for Kumble, while the other opted Shastri over Kumble. Read: Why Kumble is ideal choice for India coach?

Shastri was India’s Team Director since August 2014 and has played a pivotal role in India’s success over these years. “Ravi Shastri has had a very successful run as the Team Director. He played his role very well. The BCCI was very happy with him,” said BCCI President Anurag Thakur said in the press conference held at HPCA, Dharamsala.

The candidates were asked to give presentation as to how they would take team forward. “Lots of input before decision was arrived. Meetings have lasted 6-8 hours,” said BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke. 

“Not about Indian or foreign coach, it’s about who is the best for Indian cricket. We have used services of great former players,” added Thakur when asked about the foreign candidates. Read: Anil Kumble takes on a jumbo challenge

Thakur showered heaps of praises on Kumble. “He has been a match-winner for India. He has a great record which speaks for him. We wanted the best for India. We, in fact, deserve the best. And, we have Anil Kumble for that.”