BCCI may approach Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman for India coach

Former India coach Anil Kumble is in contention to replace Ravi Shastri as the India coach after the current boss hinted he is not interested in applying for an extension. Kumble took over the reigns of team India in 2016 but stepped down a year later owing to a conflict of opinion with skipper Virat Kohli. Interestingly, Kumble’s appointment back then was approved by Cricket Advisory Committee headed by Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly.

It is a well-documented fact that Kumble had a bitter fallout with skipper Virat Kohli, which led him to abruptly end his stint as a head coach after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy in 2017.

Apart from Kumble, the Ganguly-led panel may also approach VVS Laxman for the coveted position. The former India batter comes with plenty of coaching experience and has been associated with IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, if Kumble gives his nod, he should get the role ahead of anyone.

"Anil Kumble's exit needs a course correction. The manner in which the CoA (Committee of Administrators) succumbed to the pressure of Kohli and removed him, wasn’t the best example set. However, it also depends on whether Kumble or Laxman are ready to apply for the job,” a senior BCCI source privy to the development told Onmanorama.

There were talks of Rahul Dravid replacing Shastri as well. Dravid recently coached India during the Sri Lanka series. However, the veteran has expressed his disinterest in taking up the full-time role owing to the challenges that come with it.