Sunil Gavaskar described the resignation of national cricket head coach Anil Kumble as a sad day for Indian cricket and patted him for doing a great job in his one-year stint.
"I have very little knowledge about the differences between Virat and Anil. But it is a really sad day for Indian cricket," Gavaskar said. "India have won everything since the time Anil took over. I can't see Anil doing much wrong in one year. Difference happen in any team but see at the results," he said.
The legendary batsman also raised some pertinent questions regarding the future of coaches of the Indian cricket team.
"All that I am saying because of the next coach. So the next coach knows exactly where he stands. 'If I do this, is this going to be overbearing. If I tell you to report to practice at 9.30, is it going to be overbearing. If I say to you that I want some extra nets from you, I want you to catch 50 more catches or if I want you to bowl 20 more deliveries in the nets, is it overbearing'. For the next coach's sake it is important that these things are clarified," said Gavaskar in an interview with NDTV.
Gavaskar also believes that Kohli should put forth his side of the story soon. "My advice to Virat would be to make a statement and make things clear. Kumble also needs to clarify who in the BCCI informed him about Virat's unhappiness about him. A statement from Kohli will help clear the air, saying this is what I feel and my issue with Kumble.
"Let's wait and see what exactly players found wrong in Anil Kumble. We need to also find out whether they found it overbearing and what exactly is overbearing. Let's get a clarification also."
Gavaskar also, in a rather sarcastic way, suggested the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) to not waste their time selecting a coach and leave that job for the players themselves. "It is because of the team and the captain not liking Anil Kumble's methods we have come to this situation. Why not save all the trouble and ask them while they are in the West Indies, 'Listen, you guys, who do want as coach. We have eight or ten applications or whatever applications... So who do you want as coach' and that's it. Simple."
During his playing days, Kumble was known as a feisty fighter, even winning matches by bowling with a broken jaw, and Gavaskar wondered why he did not stand up this time. "Anil must have had his reasons (of resigning). I would have thought Anil would carry on. Once the CAC expressed their confidence in him, Anil should have stuck around. Hope he will take it on the chin and comes back stronger. But it is the first time a known fighter like Anil did not stand up," said the former captain.
"I know that the CAC met Virat and had a very long session with him," Gavaskar added. "Anil's experience as a player and as an administrator needs to be utilised. CAC should be doing more for Indian cricket than just selecting the coach."
He said India will have to appoint a coach before the team goes to Sri Lanka. "It is for the CAC to take a call on that."
(Inputs from PTI)
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