Kohli rift causes Kumble to quit as coach

Virat Kohli may have denied any tension but Anil Kumble says their fractured relationship is the reason for him quitting as India coach.

Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble says a fractured relationship with Virat Kohli is the reason is quit as India coach. (AAP)

Anil Kumble claims an 'untenable partnership' with captain Virat Kohli meant he could no longer carry on as head coach of India.

The 46-year-old led India to the final of the Champions Trophy, where they were defeated by fierce rivals Pakistan at The Oval, and had been expected to continue as the squad headed out for a limited-overs tour of the Caribbean, which starts on June 23.

Kumble had taken on the role 12 months ago, guiding India to 12 victories from 17 Test matches with just one defeat.

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had invited applications for the head coach role last month, the organisation was also hoping to renew Kumble's one-year contract.

However, the former India captain and legspinner told the governing body he no longer wished to be considered for the position.

Kumble posted a statement on his personal social media accounts on Tuesday evening revealing a rift with Kohli - who denied any discord prior to the start of the Champions Trophy - was behind his decision to leave

"I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC (BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee) in asking me to continue as head coach. The credit for the achievements of the last one year goes to the captain, the entire team, coaching and support staff," Kumble said.

"Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday (Monday) by the BCCI that the captain (Virat Kohli) 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.

"Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and I therefore believe it is best for me to move on.

"Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views are the key traits I bring to the table.

"These need to be valued for the partnership to be effective. I see the coach's role akin to 'holding a mirror' to drive self-improvement in the team's interest.

"In light of these 'reservations' I believe it is best I hand over this responsibility to whomever the CAC and BCCI deem fit."

India are set to play a five-match one-day series, starting with an ODI against West Indies in Port of Spain, and also a T20 fixture while touring the Caribbean.

The BCCI confirmed Kumble's departure in a statement on Tuesday afternoon, saying: "Mr Anil Kumble has withdrawn his services as the post of the head coach for the senior India men's team."


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Source: AAP



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