The unexpected exit of Anil Kumble as Indian coach last year has taken a fresh twist as a leaked email seen by AFP suggested that Virat Kohli was one of the key reasons behind the removal of the former leg-spinner as Indian coach. The leaked email suggests that Virat wanted Kumble out as coach.
In the email sent by a senior BCCI official to board administrator Vinod Rai, it was mentioned that “Kohli frequently sent messages to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri on which you acted and there was a change in the coach”. Recently, in a letter written to Rai, COA member Edulji accused the chairman and BCCI CEO Rahul Johri of breaking rules while appointing Ravi Shastri as the men’s team coach in July last year.
“There also I had objected and my dissent is recorded when the timelines were extended for someone to apply as he (Ravi Shastri) didn’t apply in time. Mr. (Anil) Kumble a legend in his own right was subjected to loss of face and made to look like a villain. He was gracious enough to move on for which I respect him. There also, rules were broken and I had raised objections back then, “Edulji said.
Anil Kumble was chosen for role of Indian coach in 2016. He led the Indian team to number 1 ranking in Tests but resigned after just one year post India’s loss to Pakistan in Champions Trophy in June 2017. He called the relationship with Virat Kohli as untenable and resigned from the position due to fallout with the Indian skipper. Post Kumble’s exit, Ravi Shastri was selected as the coach of Indian team.
With inputs from PTI