21 June,2017 10:50 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
Anil Kumble reveals he was surprised to learn from BCCI that India captain had reservations about his style of functioning and continuing as coach
Anil Kumble, who stepped down from the post of India head coach yesterday, said he was doing so his partnership with skipper Virat Kohli was untenable.
In a message posted on his Twitter account last night, Kumble said: "I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC, in asking me to continue as head coach. Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday by the BCCI that the captain had reservations with my 'style' and about my continuing as the head coach. I was surprised since I had always respected the role boundaries between captain and coach.
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"Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and I therefore believed it is best for me to move on. Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complimentary skills and diverse views are the key traits I bring to the table I see the Coach's role akin to 'holing a mirror' to drive self-improvement in the team's interest. In light of these 'reservations', I believe it's best I hand over this responsibility to whoever CAC and BCCI deem fit."
Kumble's decision comes in the wake of reports claiming rifts between him and Kohli, and just two days after India's embarrassing loss to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final. His one year contract expired at the end of the Champions Trophy but he was given the option to travel with the team to the West Indies for the limited overs series beginning on Friday.
Also Read: Virat Kohli's 'strong reservations' about Anil Kumble leaves CAC in fix
However, Kumble decided to stay back in London for the ICC's Annual Conference as he is the chairman of the Cricket Committee, while the Indian team headed to Barbados.
Also Read: Anil Kumble delivered results. Can anyone challenge that?: Bishen Singh Bedi
The BCCI had invited fresh applications for the post of head coach before the start of the Champions Trophy.
Kumble was a direct entry, while the others who applied for the post were Tom Moody, Richard Pybus and India's 2007 World T20-winning coach Lalchand Rajput among others.
Anil Kumble's resignation statement on Twitter:
