Presenting a fair idea of his leadership style in the role of India coach, Kumble on Wednesday said he will try to inculcate self belief in his bowlers as he wants them to develop as leaders.
Kumble, himself an inspiring figure in his playing days, today had his first interaction with the players after taking over as chief coach as the training camp for the West Indies tour began here.
“I will try and observe how the team is shaping up and at this point in time, I would like to look at the bowlers. That is something I am looking at...Get closer to the bowlers and understand what their needs are and then probably looking at bringing in a fast bowling coach. That is a consideration I am thinking of. Bowling is one area where I can contribute,” Kumble said at a press conference.
“When I was a player, I used to feel that you are the captain of your own bowling, which I would like to try and inculcate, especially in the bowling group. That is important. All of them must believe that they are leaders,” he added.
The former India captain, who ended his career as the third-highest wicket taker in the world, said he understands the role of a mentor and insisted he would be quietly helping the playing by staying in the background.
“looking at the challenges in the field, I will try to prepare the team. We, the support staff would be working in the background. Players will be in the front. I have been the player and now I am the coach, so I understand both the roles well. It is a different role and I certainly understand the role,” he said.
‘it’s about players’
Graciously skirting the controversy surrounding the snub Ravi Shastri received during his job interview, the Indian coach Anil Kumble today said it’s the players who are the most significant part of the system.
Sourav Ganguly, one of the three members of the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), had absented himself when Shastri appeared for the interview, leaving the former Team India Director miffed.
Kumble, speaking to media on his first day as coach, said neither he nor Shastri or any other official is as important as the players. “I was the first one to call Ravi after chosen as the head coach. He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. And it’s not about Ravi or me or anyone else. It’s about the players, it’s about the team,” Kumble said during his first press conference.
After being overlooked for the job, Ravi Shastri had said Ganguly was disrespectful to him and the job he was entrusted with.