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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

India seek new coach despite Kumble success

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NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket board (BCCI) invited applications for the head coach’s role on Thursday but will also consider a contract extension for incumbent Anil Kumble.


Former India captain Kumble was put in charge last June despite having never coached a team in India but the side has recorded just one defeat in 17 tests since he took over.


BCCI have invited applications but it would be a surprise if the former leg-spinner does not get an extension from the board’s Cricket Advisory Committee comprising his former team-mates Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.


“The process has been initiated since the term of the current coach Anil Kumble concludes with the (June 1-18) Champions Trophy,” BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary said in a statement.


“Present head coach Anil Kumble will be a direct entry for the process,” he added.


A court-appointed Committee of Administrators currently supervises the running of the board’s operation and one of them will oversee the recruitment to ensure “a fair and completely transparent process”, the board said.


“To ensure a fair and completely transparent process, a nominee of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) will oversee the entire process along with the Cricket Advisory Committee,” it added.


All applicants will be interviewed by a cricket advisory committee comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.


The advertised opening comes as India prepares to defend their Champions Trophy title in England.


India will kick off their campaign in the eight-team event next week with an opening round match against Pakistan.


The BCCI had always stated Kumble’s performance would be reviewed after his one-year term, but the timing on the eve of a major event has raised eyebrows.


Local media has reported that Kumble displeased some within the world’s most powerful cricket board when he demanded pay hikes for himself and skipper Virat Kohli, and extra retainer fees for Grade A players. “Kumble spoke to the Committee of Administrators (CoA), while Kohli joined on Skype, asking for 150 per cent hike in the retainership of the Grade A players,” reported Indian news website NDTV.


The gutsy cricketer, who captained the Test side for just over a year after replacing Rahul Dravid in 2007, has had a largely successful run on the international coaching circuit.


India has won all their five Test series under Kumble, even beating top sides like England and Australia in a hugely successful home season. — Agencies


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