January 03, 2026 01:21 am (IST)
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Anil Kumble appointed head coach of Indian cricket team
Mumbai, June 23 (IBNS): The BCCI on Thursday announced the appointment of Anil Kumble as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.
He has been appointed for the period of one year.
"Given to his immense knowledge and experience, the BCCI is confident that Mr. Kumble will take Indian cricket forward and contribute to its growth and success," a BCCI statement said.
The Board is confident that Kumble will meet the "consistent high standards of professionalism set by the Indian team and fulfills the expectations of the followers of Indian Cricket."
India is set to host 13 Test matches, 8 ODIs & 3 T20Is in a mega home season (2016-17) and Kumble will play a major role in the collective objective of the Indian team to attain the top ranking in all three formats of the game.
On being appointed as the head coach, the veteran crickter told mediapersons: "It's great honour to be back In Indian dressing room. It's a huge responsibility."
He said, "I now have a great relationship with Sourav, Sachin, Laxman and Dravid. Have to sit with them to discuss plans."
Kumble’s first assignment will be the upcoming away series in the West Indies, where India will play four Test matches.
As part of the process for selecting the head coach, the Board received 57 applications, which were evaluated by the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly with Sanjay Jagdale, the Chief Co-Coordinator.
The Committee conducted interviews with select shortlisted applicants and submitted a report/recommendation to the Honorary Secretary Ajay Shirke.
"The Board recognizes the contribution of Team Director Ravi Shastri under whom India marched to the semi-finals in the ICC World Cup held in Australia and the ICC World T20 India 2016. With him as Team Director, India won the Test series in Sri Lanka after a gap of 22 years and also outplayed South Africa 3-0 in a four-Test home series before clinching the Asia Cup," the BCCI statement said.
Known for his fighting spirit and indomitable attitude, former captain Anil Kumble is India’s leading wicket-taker in both Test (619) and ODI cricket (337).
Kumble is only the second bowler in Test cricket to take 10 wickets in an innings.
The 45-year-old leg-spinner has mentored Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians and was also the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and BCCI’s Technical Committee.
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