Cricket: Anil Kumble takes charge with eye on bowlers

Date

6/30/2016 8:16:22 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily)

Anil Kumble thinks a year - and 17 Test matches - is enough for India to make its mark on all three formats of cricket.

Kumble''s one-year contract as coach of the national team begins with the first of four Tests against West Indies in the Caribbean, starting June 21, followed by 13 home Test matches against New Zealand, England, Australia and Bangladesh.

"I am not permanent in this role, (but) I am really privileged that I am part of this journey," Kumble said on Wednesday.

"We all believe that the potential is there for the Indian team to dominate in all three formats." Kumble, who was among 57 candidates for the job including former Indian team director Ravi Shastri, took 619 wickets in 132 Test matches and 337 from 271 ODIs.

Kumble was asked for his opinion on the way Shastri had been overlooked. Shastri had alleged Ganguly was not even present to interview him when he made his presentation.

The underlying suggestion being that the decision had already been made before the interview process. "I was the first one to call Ravi after I was chosen the head coach," Kumble said.

"It''s not about Ravi or Anil or whoever it is. It''s not about the head coach, it''s about the players, it''s about the team. And If I''m part of the journey, that''s all I have to say. He congratulated me. I told him it''s a fantastic team, a young team that we have. It could be someone else tomorrow [in place of me].

''I''m not permanent in this role. I have an opportunity to make a difference. I have an opportunity to be part of the journey and if I can be part of the journey where we see Indian cricket rise to where we all want it to be, then I think it''s wonderful. I feel privileged, like I already mentioned. And an honour again to be a part of the team."

India defeated West Indies 1-0 in the last Test series in the Caribbean in 2011 in which fast bowler Ishant Sharma took 22 wickets. Three other current players - captain Virat Kohli, Murali Vijay and Amit Mishra - were also part of that tour. "I think Ishant was man of the series, he will be the leader to take the bowling attack," Kumble said.

"West Indies is always (a) tough team at home ... but the (Indian) team is pretty geared up for the challenges." Kumble is keen to help his bowlers perform against West Indies.

"At this point of time I thought I can get closer to the bowlers, understanding what their needs are and then looking at probably bringing in, if you are looking at a fast bowling coach I think is what you are trying to say.

''There are considerations that I am thinking of but at this point, I don''t know if it will be possible to take someone to the West Indies. ''If that doesn''t happen, then certainly I am keen to look at the bowlers. I feel that bowling is certainly an area where I can contribute a lot more," he said.

Since his retirement from Test cricket in 2008, Kumble has been mentor of Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. He also has an important role as head of the ICC''s cricket committee.

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