Ex-India coach Anil Kumble predicts Virat Kohli & Co will create history in South Africa
Despite facing an unceremonious ouster from his position as Team India head coach earlier this year, Kumble doesn't hesitate in lending support to Kohli and his men.
Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble believes the Indian cricket team, led by Virat Kohli, will create history in the upcoming tour of South Africa.
Kumble, head coach of Team India till the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, was ousted from his position after a rather public fallout with Kohli. Speculation of bitterness among the duo gained prominence once again when Kumble failed to put out a social media post, congratulating Kohli on his marriage with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.
Kumble, however, put rumours to rest during a recent event in Bengaluru by showing faith in Kohli and his team.
"I’m confident that the team which we have will certainly go on to create history in South Africa and then beyond. That’s the confidence I have," Kumble was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
The three-match Test series between India and South Africa kicks-off on January 5 in Cape Town.
Kumble even went ahead and praised Kohli for what he and his team have achieved: "I’m sure the team under Virat certainly has the capabilities to achieve that and continue all the good work they have been doing."
The 47-year-old, however, did didn't shy away from adding that coaches in cricket “don’t have too much to say or too much to do”, implying clearly that the captain is the boss.
“But nonetheless this is an excellent recognition of all the good work that the team did over the past one year and they have continued with their winning ways,” said Kumble, who was replaced as head coach of Team India by Ravi Shastri. “This wouldn’t have happened without the support group, all the support team that I had over the past year has been exceptional. So thanks to them, thanks to the members of the team.”