During his playing days, Anil Kumble was known for his no-nonsense and aggressive approach who never gave up, no matter what the situation. It’s with this mindset that he went about trying to be the best version of himself, and in later years when he took over as captain, inculcated the same belief in the team.
Now, back in the limelight as the head coach of Team India, the legendary leg spinner feels captain Virat Kohli embodies a similar, albeit different, approach.
“I love his aggression. I was no different. I was also aggressive, very different in terms of how we probably came across on the field,” said Kumble on Monday.
Of course, being aggressive doesn’t mean one crosses the line.
“I’ll be the last person to curb someone’s natural instincts, but of course we all know how important it is to be the ambassadors of India and be a part of the Indian cricket team. We will ensure that there is a thin line and that everybody knows that,” remarked the coach ahead of the team’s departure to West Indies.
The Men in Blue are heading to the Caribbean Islands for a four Test series which also be the first challenge for Kumble as coach. And the 45-year-old has unsurprisingly, prepared diligently to live up to the expectations and challenge.
“I think the expectation to win is constantly going to be there. West Indies is a tough side at home, they know the conditions. Yes, they are in a transition phase and there will be some young West Indian players playing Test cricket,” he said.
“We have a couple of practice games so we will try out various combinations and give everyone an opportunity and decide what the ideal combination is. It’s all about Test cricket and how you win (each) session,” added the former leg spinner.
India, under Kohli have won their last two Test series and with 17 matches ahead of them over the next 12 months, Kumble feels that consistency will be the main focus. “I think everybody is now positive and wants a result. Because of modern day batting technique and mindset of batsmen to go after the bowlers, you see a run rate of more than four in every innings in a Test match,” he opined.
“As a coach, all you want is to prepare them to the best of your ability and have all areas covered, skill-wise, fitness-wise and strategy-wise so that they are able to go and assess any situation on their own. The good part is that we are playing a lot of Tests this year. So we will be able to assess the shortcomings, if at all, and plug that. We will ensure that we are consistent,” he stated.
