Anil Kumble steps down as India head coach

Anil Kumble has stepped down as head coach of India`s men`s team ahead of the forthcoming limited-overs series against West Indies. It is learnt that Kumble, whose one-year contract expired on Tuesday (June 20), opted against reapplying for the post despite having been given that option.

With Kumble`s contract running down, on May 25, BCCI invited applications for the head coach`s role of the senior men`s side. However, the board clarified that the legendary spinner would get a "direct entry for the process" owing to his largely successful tenure. In the build up to the Champions Trophy, rumours of a rift between the Kumble and Indian captain Virat Kohli surfaced and is widely believed to be the reason for his decision to give up reapplication to the post.

Kumble was appointed head coach of the side in June 2016 by the former BCCI administration led by Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke, based on the recommendation of the CAC comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. Despite having no prior coaching experience, Kumble pipped former team director Ravi Shastri and 20 other candidates to the top spot after putting together a presentation highlighting his vision and roadmap for Indian cricket.

In his first assignment as coach, India completed a Test series victory in West Indies. Under him, India won 10 of the 13 Tests in their home season, rising to the top spot in the rankings. India also registered ODI series wins over New Zealand and England, with reverses coming only in a T20I series against West Indies in USA and at last week`s Champions Trophy, where India were beaten by Pakistan in the final.

Source: Cricbuzz