Mumbai: The BCCI on Thursday announced the appointment of Anil Kumble as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. He has been appointed for the period of one year.
The BCCI said that given to his immense knowledge and experience, it is confident that Kumble would take Indian cricket forward and contribute to its growth and success. “The Board is confident that Mr. Kumble will meet the consistent high standards of professionalism set by the Indian team and fulfills the expectations of the followers of Indian Cricket,” it said.
“India is set to host 13 Test matches, 8 ODIs & 3 T20Is in a mega home season (2016-17) and Mr. Kumble will play a major role in the collective objective of the Indian team to attain the top ranking in all three formats of the game,” it added.
Kumble’s first assignment will be the upcoming away series in the West Indies, where India will play four Test matches.
As part of the process for selecting the Head Coach, the Board received 57 applications, which were evaluated by the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly with Sanjay Jagdale, the Chief Co-Coordinator. The Committee conducted interviews with select shortlisted applicants and submitted a report/recommendation to the Honorary Secretary Ajay Shirke.
The BCCi also said that the Board recognized the contribution of Team Director Ravi Shastri under whom India marched to the semi-finals in the ICC World Cup held in Australia and the ICC World T20 India 2016. With him as Team Director, India won the Test series in Sri Lanka after a gap of 22 years and also outplayed South Africa 3-0 in a four-Test home series before clinching the Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, Anil Kumble thanked everyone for their unconditional support and love. “Very touched. It's a great honour to be part of the Indian team again. Looking forward to having a great journey ahead. Continue your support to the Indian team,” he wrote on his Facebook post.
Kumble Twitter handle too was abuzz with congratulatory messages.
Heartiest welcome to @anilkumble1074 Sir. Look forward to your tenure with us. Great things in store for Indian Cricket with you ????
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 23, 2016
Great news for indian cricket..congratulation Anil Bhai @anilkumble1074 for becoming the head coach of @BCCI ..good luck going forward ????????????
— Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh) June 23, 2016
Jumbo news 4Team India.Congrats @anilkumble1074
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 23, 2016
To have a coach who cud play wid broken jaw wud be an inspiration fr guys in dressing room.
Congratulations jumbo!. @anilkumble1074 hope your experience and legacy can take Indian cricket to greater heights! All the best!
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 23, 2016
Congratulations to @anilkumble1074 sir. Looking forward to work with you. Your presence will take us forward. Cheers
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) June 24, 2016
Congrats @anilkumble1074 , look forward to working with you and understanding the trade better.
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) June 24, 2016
Wishing @anilkumble1074 paaji all the best for the new tenure! Looking forward to working with you and learning from you
— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) June 24, 2016
The Indian cricket team now has a coach who will put his heart & soul in the job. Anil Kumble knows no other way of working.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 23, 2016
Congrats @anilkumble1074 for being appointed as India coach. Best choice @bcci, hopefully he'll take Indian cricket to new heights.
— GGF (@GautamGambhir) June 23, 2016
Congratulations sir @anilkumble1074 on becoming the coach of #TeamIndia! Looking forward to the long season ahead @BCCI
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 23, 2016
