'The whole country is happy with Anil Kumble as India coach'

Acting secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Amitabh Choudhary has brushed aside all the speculations about rift between skipper Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble

Acting secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Amitabh Choudhary has brushed aside all the speculations about rift between skipper Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble.

Talking to the media at Edgbaston in Birmingham after India's training session, he said that the decision to invite fresh applications for chief coach of the Indian team is just a process that the BCCI is following as Kumble's contract ends at the end of Champions Trophy.

Also Read: Virender Sehwag applies for Team India coach's post, set for face-off with Anil Kumble

"The question has been answered in the past. It's a very simple issue. The appointment which was made last year was after a process had been gone through. And it was made for a period. That period is coming to an end, so the BCCI is just following the process," he said.

Choudhary was, however, grilled by the media on the timing for inviting the application in the midst of a big event. But he cleared the air by saying "You can see the full calendar and tell me at what position there was a free slot. After one tournament, there is another, then another series, home series, away series. Something is always on throughout the year. Choudhary took the blows on the chin and answered queries without batting an eyelid. Asked about Kumble's performance, he said: "Not only me, the whole country is happy with Kumble.

Also Read: Virat Kohli-Anil Kumble row: Two BCCI peacemakers fly to England

However, the ones who will make a decision are the members of the advisory committee. He was asked why did he make an unscheduled visit to England if everything was fine in the team.

"Kamaal ki baat hain. It's my schedule and you're saying I don't know it! Who says I was not scheduled to come? It was planned long ago. I was going to come anyway," he said.

Photos: Team India chill out in England during Champions Trophy

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!