Going by reports, after taking over as chief coach Anil Kumble has swiftly reached out specifically to Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. In a sense this would be his think tank, one assumes in setting up processes for excellence. This is a smart and necessary move considering that these three are likely the most influential factors in his success too. Remember, Kumble’s appointment is for one year so time is of the essence.
As coach of the under-19 and junior teams, Dravid is obviously the link to young talent in the country. He is a fine reader not just of the game, but also of players as his brief stint yet reveals.
In establishing a supply line of players, Kumble would lean heavily on Dravid’s advice and won’t have to spend too much time and energy finding out the potential of young players if they get his former teammate’s nod. Such interplay between the two coaches will not only convince selectors, but should also send a warning to the senior team that laggards won’t be tolerated. They will have to be on their toes all the time to keep their places.
That Kumble and Dravid live in the same city — and with the NCA now back in Bangalore — is a distinct advantage too. There is scope for greater interaction with young hopefuls and quick decision making if needed. Winning over Kohli’s trust, of course, is going to be Kumble’s biggest challenge. Kohli is not just the team’s premier batsman, but also captain. How he absorbs the coach’s vision will impact his own decisions as well as how the others respond.
This was something that Kumble’s predecessor Ravi Shastri had accomplished with a high degree of success. It is not merely coincidental that the rapid strides made by Kohli in the past year have come with Shastri as mentor and sounding board. Kumble is his own man, but if the rapport he strikes with Kohli shows the same level of confidence the Indian captain shared with Shastri, it will ensure continuity of purpose, which is the only real concern.
The good thing is that Kumble has already spoken about the suzerainty of the captain in the sport. That will allow Kohli the freedom to express himself: as batsman and as leader on the field.
Coaches can sometimes be domineering, which Kumble has experienced as a player. That can be counterproductive and I would be surprised if Kumble will fall into the trap. Kumble’s most interesting outreach, however, is to Dhoni.
He tweeted a congratulatory message to him on the win in Zimbabwe and I understand from newspaper reports there will be pow-wow sessions too between the two. Considering that India will play 17 Test matches over the next year (in which Dhoni will not feature) interspersed with few limited overs matches, this is significant. There is a school of thought that has been pressing for Kohli to take over in all formats. Their argument hinges on two strings: multiple captains are not really beneficial, and that Kohli is now ripe to take over.
Whether Kumble subscribes to this view (the final call rests with selectors in any case), in my opinion, is less important than the fact that he sees Dhoni as still crucial in the scheme of things: as a player certainly, who he wouldn’t want to lose. In the recent past Dhoni has looked a trifle forlorn. An early thumbs up from the coach could be just the big boost he needs to keep his fitness and motivation going till the next 50-over World Cup.
That is still three years away but planning for it has to start immediately for the team to be primed up in time. And not just for the World Cup, but showing excellence in overseas Tests too. But of course, as mentioned earlier, Kumble’s appointment is only for one year. Is that irony or idiocy or wot?
