Shastri did wonderful job, coach's job not permanent Says Anil Kumble

Bengaluru, June 29 (CRICKETNMORE): New Indian cricket team head coach Anil Kumble has no grudge against Ravi Shastri, his main competitor for the post and both are in good terms.

Shastri was a bit bitter over the selection process and had complained that Sourav Ganguly, one of the three members of the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee with Sachin Tendulkar and V.V.S. Laxman that picked up the new coach, was not present during the interview process.

"It is a privilege to coach the Indian side but he (Shastri) was aware that it is not a permanent position. Nobody is permanent in this role," said Kumble.

To a question about Shastri being dissatisfied, Kumble said he was the first person to call Shastri up after he was chosen as the head coach.

The legendary leg-spinner emphasised that he was also dropped from the team in the past as a player and was also not chosen for some tours.

"Ravi did a wonderful job as the Indian coach. It is not about Anil Kumble or Ravi Shastri as head coach, it is all about players, the team."

"Ravi congratulated me and said I had a fantastic young team to train," he said.

"My point of view is whether it is me or any other Indian who is following the team, we want it to do well and perform at its best. We all believe that potential is there for the Indian team to dominate in all three formats," the 45-year-old said on the occasion.

Further talking on his coaching assignment, Kumble said, "I have an opportunity to make the difference and be part of the journey where Indian cricket can rise to the level all of us expect it to. Then it will be wonderful. I am honoured to be part of this journey."

Agency