Anil Kumble happy to become NCA boss

Former India skipper Anil Kumble, who was on Wednesday appointed chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), said the new assignment is a huge responsibility.

“It’s a huge responsibility. It’s a job that will require a lot of time and a lot of patience. Fortunately, I am in Bangalore and so is the NCA, so that makes the task slightly easier,” Kumble told DNA.

The legendary leg-spinner is happy to have been handed the post before the academy is relocated on the outskirts of Bangalore. “A new NCA is on its way and it will be nice to be involved in that process from the very beginning,” he said

However, Kumble maintained that it will take some time for him to produce results. “It’s too early for me to discuss concrete issues. It will require time and it will require heads. It will be important to ensure that we merge the present with the future,” he said.

Jumbo, as he is fondly called, pointed out that though the NCA focuses on the future, it should also become a centre where even the present set of cricketers continues to improve its skills.

“A lot of focus is understandably being placed on the future, but we must also keep the present in mind,” said Kumble.

“There must be a pipeline in place for a fresh talent pool to emerge, but we must also make sure the present talent pool remains focussed, motivated and in the best physical and mental shape to keep delivering for the country,” Kumble added.