Leaked email suggested Virat Kohli had “frequently” worked behind the scenes against Anil Kumble

[Chokli]

NEW DELHI: The acrimonious exit of India’s cricket coach last year was given a fresh twist Wednesday as a leaked email suggested captain Virat Kohli had “frequently” worked behind the scenes against him.

Former coach Anil Kumble quit over a rift with Kohli in June 2017, saying his relationship with the skipper was “untenable”.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has denied any division in the Indian camp.

But in a leaked email seen by AFP, a senior BCCI official wrote to board administrator Vinod Rai that Kohli “frequently sent SMSs to the CEO on which you acted and there was a change in the coach”.

“Mr Kumble a legend in his own right was subjected to loss of face and made to look like a villain,” added senior administrator Diana Edulji.

“He was gracious enough to move on for which I respect him. There also, rules were broken and I had raised objections back then.”

Edulji’s email originated from a separate controversy in the women’s national team, where former coach Ramesh Powar fell out with one-day captain Mithali Raj.

As men’s national team coach, Kumble helped India reclaim the number-one Test ranking and maintained an unblemished record in five Test series.

But he resigned after his one-year term ended with a humiliating defeat to Pakistan in the 50-over Champions Trophy in June 2017, prompting a fallout with Kohli who reportedly didn’t like the coach’s training techniques.

He was replaced by Ravi Shastri. Shastri was always the frontrunner for the job with pundits pointing to his time as India’s team director from 2014-16 and warm relationship with Kohli.

Kohli, currently on tour in Australia, was yet to comment publicly on the leaked email.

https://arysports.tv/kohli-engineered-kumbles-exit-leaked-email-suggests/

 

[Chokli]

Kohli is forever lost respect and value in my eyes. Disgusting cowardly behavior.

He's basically the human version of a snake.

 

[MenInG]

Doesn't sit nicely for Virat Kohli this.

 

[Savak]

Don't think this is an issue as long as the Kohli Shastri combination continues to work for India and Kohli continues to score bucketload of runs for India

 

[iPakistani]

What's going on with India, first the womens team issue now this? India need to professionalize their board and keep information secure.

What a mess of a board.

 

[Proactive_]

Shocking. Never expected this from a clean non politicking cricketer like Virat Kohli..

 

[Varun]

It's not anything new, unless specific details are revealed. More than Kumble leaving and Shastri replacing him, I was flabbergasted - at the time - on the lack of candidates applying for the Indian coaching job. Pretty sure that guys like Sehwag were thrown in for troll value and to make Shastri look good. Everybody else got the message that this was a race designed for one horse and conveniently didn't apply.

I'm just worried about the timing. We need to persist in this series, and not go down like a flat tyre in Perth.

 

[Snowflake]

Just goes on to show the importance of on-field performance. As long as you are winning your team game after game, nothing can touch you!

 

[Savak]

Just goes on to show the importance of on-field performance. As long as you are winning your team game after game, nothing can touch you!

Lol that's not true as far as Pakistan is concerned

 

[cricketindiafan]

Captain and coach not getting along, and hence Captain of the team sending SMSs to the Board CEO. This would be happening everywhere. Neither Kumble nor Kohli have publicly spoken about their feud.

Ganguly regularly spoke to Dalmiya, met Pawar, Dhoni andSrini had similar relationship. Nothing wrong IMO.

This CoA member, who has been running women’s cricket at her whims and fancies, is leaking such communication as she wants ‘her candidate’ to be the coach. That for me is the biggest tragedy. This Godly lady even awarded herself the BCCI lifetime award but facing media backlash ‘declined’ it.

God knows when this clown show at BCCI top level is going to end.

 

[Varun]

Who is this Diana Edulji anyway, and why are we only hearing about her in the last few weeks regarding both the men's and women's teams?

I hope she's not one of those folks merely famous for being famous.

 

[jagatk]

Captain and coach not getting along, and hence Captain of the team sending SMSs to the Board CEO. This would be happening everywhere. Neither Kumble nor Kohli have publicly spoken about their feud.

Ganguly regularly spoke to Dalmiya, met Pawar, Dhoni andSrini had similar relationship. Nothing wrong IMO.

This CoA member, who has been running women’s cricket at her whims and fancies, is leaking such communication as she wants ‘her candidate’ to be the coach. That for me is the biggest tragedy. This Godly lady even awarded herself the BCCI lifetime award but facing media backlash ‘declined’ it.

God knows when this clown show at BCCI top level is going to end.

I don't think the edulji women is really smart but you can kindof get what she is doing, a coach was appointed the captain and vice captain seem to like him given their public support for him, he just ran afoul of a clear primadonna who thinks the cricket team is her owned property because of which he was sacked. She is just asking a question why is the Men's team's captain allowed to have say and get his wish with the coach, yet the women's team doesn't get the same power.

Also there is a difference between communicating with the board members and complaining to the board members. Dhoni and Srinivasan had a relationship that was toxic to indian cricket, imagine the selectors not having the power to sack a captain who lost 8-0 not because the team members didn't like it or fans didn't like it but because the President of the BCCI owned an IPL team of which the said captain was also a captain of.

 

[jagatk]

Just goes on to show the importance of on-field performance. As long as you are winning your team game after game, nothing can touch you!

Kohli and Shastri very well know that they need to win this series, a loss here and a lot of knives are going to be out. They ****** off a lot of people getting kumble sacked the way it happened.

 

[topspin]

Doesn't sit nicely for Virat Kohli this.

I rather have Kohli as captain of the Pakistan team than yes men like Misbah, Azhar Ali and etc because he would have forced out an incompetent coach in Waqar Younis.

This is no different to what Imran Khan did in replacing Miandad as captain. Thanks to him Pakistan won the 92 WC and handpicked the players of the future. The team of the 90s was virtually built by him.

Like IK, Kohli didn't do this for himself but for the best interests of the team. Kumble had a defensive mindset and it wasn't going to work for India moving forward after losing the CT final. Since then India continue to get better and better.

As long as the intentions are genuinely for the better good of the side, you can't fault these players for doing what it takes to fix something that is broken in the side.

 

[jagatk]

I rather have Kohli as captain of the Pakistan team than yes men like Misbah, Azhar Ali and etc because he would have forced out an incompetent coach in Waqar Younis.

This is no different to what Imran Khan did in replacing Miandad as captain. Thanks to him Pakistan won the 92 WC and handpicked the players of the future. The team of the 90s was virtually built by him.

Like IK, Kohli didn't do this for himself but for the best interests of the team. Kumble had a defensive mindset and it wasn't going to work for India moving forward after losing the CT final. Since then India continue to get better and better.

As long as the intentions are genuinely for the better good of the side, you can't fault these players for doing what it takes to fix something that is broken in the side.

That is rubbish, defensive mindset because he lost the final, like seriously. Beat WI 2-0, NZ 3-0, Eng 4-0, only blip was against Aussies that we won 2-1. Reached CT final, where bumrah bowled a No ball on which the pakistani centurian got out, the openers and virat failed, some how all this is the coach's fault.

Kohli did it because shastri is a cheer leader and kumble wouldn't be and given kohli's general demeanor to any dissent like telling a fan to go to pakistan or complaining about bhogle because he asks a few tough questions that clearly was never going to work.

 

[topspin]

That is complete and pure **, defensive mindset because he lost the final, like seriously. Beat WI 2-0, NZ 3-0, Eng 4-0, only blip was against Aussies that we won 2-1. Reached CT final, where bumrah bowled a No ball on which the pakistani centurian got out, the openers and virat failed, some how all this is the coach's fault.

Kohli did it because shastri is a cheer leader and kumble wouldn't be and given kohli's general demeanor to any dissent like telling a fan to go to pakistan or complaining about bhogle because he asks a few tough questions that clearly was never going to work.

If citing Kumble's defensive mindset is pure ".....", could you care to explain the disagreement between Kohli and Kumble in re: Pujara during that WI tour couple or so years back?

Pujara was dropped by Kohli who publicly expressed his disappointment with his sedate batting. Kumble when asked was of the opposite opinion and said:

"From my point of view, strike rates are only relevant to bowlers in Test cricket, not batsmen".

This proves Kumble was a defensive minded coach especially with regards to batting. No fake news here.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...rs-in-tests/story-hmZNQhtyWmzXhqwYMp8ASM.html

 

[Mamoon]

When you have a player like Kohli, you bend over backwards to give him what he wants. You have to do all you can to give him the best possible resources to deliver for the team.

If he is not happy with a certain coach or a certain player, you have to give him the authority to do as he pleases.

When Imran was in his prime, he was bigger than the PCB and for a reason. He was not only the captain but also the coach and the selector, and ultimately he delivered.

Kumble the coach is not bigger than Kohli the player, and he is not worth potentially jeopardizing Kohli’s vision for the team. Anyone who has a problem with Kohli has to step aside, and that is how it is.

BCCI did what it had to do.

 

[Markhor]

I don't think captains should get coaches sacked as a general principle, regardless of the status of the player.

The comparison to Imran Khan's "benevolent dictatorship" doesn't make sense given the coach did not have the important role they do today.

Kumble may have had man management issues but Shastri hasn't been a dramatic improvement. Thanks to tactical and selection mistakes, he's lost two winnable Test series in South Africa and England (that India really ought to have won 3-2 but for slides in Edgbaston and Southampton).

 

[topspin]

When you have a player like Kohli, you bend over backwards to give him what he wants. You have to do all you can to give him the best possible resources to deliver for the team.

If he is not happy with a certain coach or a certain player, you have to give him the authority to do as he pleases.

When Imran was in his prime, he was bigger than the PCB and for a reason. He was not only the captain but also the coach and the selector, and ultimately he delivered.

Kumble the coach is not bigger than Kohli the player, and he is not worth potentially jeopardizing Kohli’s vision for the team. Anyone who has a problem with Kohli has to step aside, and that is how it is.

BCCI did what it had to do.

At last someone who gets it.

Kohli and Imran deserved all the authority because they could be trusted to do what it takes to succeed.

 

[Usman Chadda]

When you have a player like Kohli, you bend over backwards to give him what he wants. You have to do all you can to give him the best possible resources to deliver for the team.

If he is not happy with a certain coach or a certain player, you have to give him the authority to do as he pleases.

When Imran was in his prime, he was bigger than the PCB and for a reason. He was not only the captain but also the coach and the selector, and ultimately he delivered.

Kumble the coach is not bigger than Kohli the player, and he is not worth potentially jeopardizing Kohli’s vision for the team. Anyone who has a problem with Kohli has to step aside, and that is how it is.

BCCI did what it had to do.

This post will not go down well with the sane Indian cricket fans. No player is bigger than the team. Kohli will eventually leave the game, but leave behind a dangerous precedent.

 

[topspin]

This post will not go down well with the sane Indian cricket fans. No player is bigger than the team. Kohli will eventually leave the game, but leave behind a dangerous precedent.

More likely he will build a team full of leaders for the future and in ultimately doing so leave behind a great legacy.

 

[jagatk]

If citing Kumble's defensive mindset is pure ".....", could you care to explain the disagreement between Kohli and Kumble in re: Pujara during that WI tour couple or so years back?

Pujara was dropped by Kohli who publicly expressed his disappointment with his sedate batting. Kumble when asked was of the opposite opinion and said:

"From my point of view, strike rates are only relevant to bowlers in Test cricket, not batsmen".

This proves Kumble was a defensive minded coach especially with regards to batting. No fake news here.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...rs-in-tests/story-hmZNQhtyWmzXhqwYMp8ASM.html

I agree with Kumble, dropping a test match player because he isn't scoring enough is fair but dropping a player because he isn't scoring quick enough is **. Rohit and Pant scored runs much quicker in the last game than that slowpoke pujara, remind me which one of the 3 won us the game?

Also letting a defensive player who likes spending time on the pitch to play his way rather than asking him to quicken up isn't by any means defensive unless he was asking everyone else to play slowly he was just backing a player. Its called man management, you don't ask dravid to play like sehwag or do it the other way around.

Defensive is not going for a win and settling for a draw for the fear of a loss like Dhoni did multiple times. Please show me where kumble did that.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

When you have a player like Kohli, you bend over backwards to give him what he wants. You have to do all you can to give him the best possible resources to deliver for the team.

If he is not happy with a certain coach or a certain player, you have to give him the authority to do as he pleases.

When Imran was in his prime, he was bigger than the PCB and for a reason. He was not only the captain but also the coach and the selector, and ultimately he delivered.

Kumble the coach is not bigger than Kohli the player, and he is not worth potentially jeopardizing Kohli’s vision for the team. Anyone who has a problem with Kohli has to step aside, and that is how it is.

BCCI did what it had to do.

Doesn't change the fact that he's a snake. Regardless, of who he is, all this reflects very badly on his character. On top of that, he has brought a lot of disrepute to Kumble, who is a legend in his own right and someone who certainly did not deserve to go out the way he did.

Imran, as big as he was would never have done something like this nor did he. He was always forthright.

 

[jagatk]

More likely he will build a team full of leaders for the future and in ultimately doing so leave behind a great legacy.

When did Yes Men become leaders, kohli has basically said it's my way or the highway.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

More likely he will build a team full of leaders for the future and in ultimately doing so leave behind a great legacy.

You're confusing what a good leader is. Kohli is no Imran, nor is he a tactical mastermind. He is an incredible player with a huge ego who will never like his mistakes to be pointed out. The only mindset he is leaving behind is that of a controlling ego-maniac.

 

[cricketindiafan]

I don't think the edulji women is really smart but you can kindof get what she is doing, a coach was appointed the captain and vice captain seem to like him given their public support for him, he just ran afoul of a clear primadonna who thinks the cricket team is her owned property because of which he was sacked. She is just asking a question why is the Men's team's captain allowed to have say and get his wish with the coach, yet the women's team doesn't get the same power.

Also there is a difference between communicating with the board members and complaining to the board members. Dhoni and Srinivasan had a relationship that was toxic to indian cricket, imagine the selectors not having the power to sack a captain who lost 8-0 not because the team members didn't like it or fans didn't like it but because the President of the BCCI owned an IPL team of which the said captain was also a captain of.

Difference is that for the men’s team coach, a committee of 3 legends met the candidates, ran the selection process, made a recommendation, tried to resolve the differences between Kohli and Kumble, saw they can’t work together so met Shastri. yes the captain got what he wanted but it was done after agreement with the CAC (Ganguly opposed Shastri, Sachin and VVS supported) and following a proper process. No mails or communications were leaked.

Here this Edulji lady is trying to foist her crony Romesh Powar without a proper process. She did the same when appointing him as interim coach. She has been outrightly partisan in the entire episode. No effort to resolve the issue between players.

Anyways my grief is with both the buffoons- Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji. Both have contributed nothing as CoA member, shown zero administrative acumen, just collected fat paycheques.

 

[topspin]

I agree with Kumble, dropping a test match player because he isn't scoring enough is fair but dropping a player because he isn't scoring quick enough is **. Rohit and Pant scored runs much quicker in the last game than that slowpoke pujara, remind me which one of the 3 won us the game?

Also letting a defensive player who likes spending time on the pitch to play his way rather than asking him to quicken up isn't by any means defensive unless he was asking everyone else to play slowly he was just backing a player. Its called man management, you don't ask dravid to play like sehwag or do it the other way around.

Defensive is not going for a win and settling for a draw for the fear of a loss like Dhoni did multiple times. Please show me where kumble did that.

Pujara was brilliant in the last test and deserves full credit. The example wasn't made to fire shots at him but to prove Kumble did have a defensive mindset with his expectations from his batsmen.

There is a difference between being Dravid's defensive style of batting and just merely accumulating time at the crease as Pujara was in that series. His SR wasn't just bad it was horrific. All of his innings in that series came at a strike rate between 23-28. Now is that acceptable? Kumble obviously thought so, therefore reinforces the fact that he backs defensive batting even when Kohli didn't approve of it one bit.

 

[Gullycricket]

Been saying from the start.He shows this fake humility etc just to please fans.He is an egomaniac and arrogant brat.How could he get on with a perfect gentleman like Kumble.Shastri is perfect for him to feed his ego.
Look at Aussies. Everyone bashes them but they had the guts to ban S.Smith who was then the best batsman and their captain after an enquiry.Will BCCI have the guts to do the same?

 

[jagatk]

Pujara was brilliant in the last test and deserves full credit. The example wasn't made to fire shots at him but to prove Kumble did have a defensive mindset with his expectations from his batsmen.

There is a difference between being Dravid's defensive style of batting and just merely accumulating time at the crease as Pujara was in that series. His SR wasn't just bad it was horrific. All of his innings in that series came at a strike rate between 23-28. Now is that acceptable? Kumble obviously thought so, therefore reinforces the fact that he backs defensive batting even when Kohli didn't approve of it one bit.

Again letting a out of touch batsman as pujara was at that time play his game is never considered a defensive move unless he is asking everyone else to play slowly or specifically picking players who play slowly over more deserving attacking batsmen. You are picking an isolated incident and basing his entire coaching on it.

Dhoni is playing badly and slowly these days, are shastri and kohli now defensive losers because they don't seem to be doing anything about it.

 

[Misia]

It won't matter if India win the series in Austrailia

 

[topspin]

Doesn't change the fact that he's a snake. Regardless, of who he is, all this reflects very badly on his character. On top of that, he has brought a lot of disrepute to Kumble, who is a legend in his own right and someone who certainly did not deserve to go out the way he did.

Imran, as big as he was would never have done something like this nor did he. He was always forthright.

You're confusing what a good leader is. Kohli is no Imran, nor is he a tactical mastermind. He is an incredible player with a huge ego who will never like his mistakes to be pointed out. The only mindset he is leaving behind is that of a controlling ego-maniac.

You couldn't be any more wrong - as mentioned in an earlier post, Imran Khan was actually the one who was behind Miandad's removal of the captaincy. He managed to get the whole team to revolt against him, so he would become captain instead. I don't disapprove of his actions at all because of the legacy he left behind as a player winning us the 92 WC, having also virtually built the stars of the 90s since they were mostly handpicked by him.

Now as for Kohli, you've made your mind up but when he retires chances are he would have led India to the WC and lead a new golden era for his test side marked by the fact that they're well on their way to becoming the first Asian side to win in Australia. Put your hate to one side and acknowledge what a player and leader he is.

 

[fitCricFan]

At the end of the day, its the captain and his team that is responsible for delivering a favorable result. If he doesn't have faith in the Team coach or vice-verca, it is only going to manifest in the team performance.

Now that VK has his pick of the playing XI he alone takes takes the fall or the kudos for the team's performance. For now he is doing a decent job. It will be more interesting when when he or the team underperforms and the daggers are drawn. Until then enjoy the show

 

[Reyansh2017]

You couldn't be any more wrong - as mentioned in an earlier post, Imran Khan was actually the one who was behind Miandad's removal of the captaincy. He managed to get the whole team to revolt against him, so he would become captain instead. I don't disapprove of his actions at all because of the legacy he left behind as a player winning us the 92 WC, having also virtually built the stars of the 90s since they were mostly handpicked by him.

Now as for Kohli, you've made your mind up but when he retires chances are he would have led India to the WC and lead a new golden era for his test side marked by the fact that they're well on their way to becoming the first Asian side to win in Australia. Put your hate to one side and acknowledge what a player and leader he is.

Oh God please stop this hyperbole regarding his leadership. He is a terrible leader in every sense of the word other than his batting

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Nothing unexpected from Kohli.
He tried his best to destroy Pujara's career too but after SL 2015 last test he recognized that if India has any chance of winning important series, Pujara is a must!

I have listened to ganguly on Kohli - Kumble episode and it was clear Gangu was not happy with Kohli. More will be said after Kohli's retirement or drop of form.

 

[Usman Chadda]

More likely he will build a team full of leaders for the future and in ultimately doing so leave behind a great legacy.

The fact that Kohli is a wonderful player is clouding your judgement a little bit.

 

[Reyansh2017]

The fact that Kohli is a wonderful player is clouding your judgement a little bit.

He is a great player but every other thing apart from his batting is not up to an acceptable standard

 

[topspin]

Again letting a out of touch batsman as pujara was at that time play his game is never considered a defensive move unless he is asking everyone else to play slowly or specifically picking players who play slowly over more deserving attacking batsmen. You are picking an isolated incident and basing his entire coaching on it.

Dhoni is playing badly and slowly these days, are shastri and kohli now defensive losers because they don't seem to be doing anything about it.

No Kohli and Kumble had many disagreements, certainly not an isolated incident, many know what went on but I guess all will be revealed on the day when Kohli launches his autobiography. Despite the sub-standard SRs, you still back Kumble's call over Kohli's, and won't accept he approves defensive brand of cricket in one or more aspects of the game, so I'm not going to try and convince you any further.

As for Dhoni, you're absolutely right his batting in ODIs isn't what India need and is far too sedate however Kohli backs him for one or more of the following reasons:

1. He is the best wicket keeper in the country
2. A LOI tactical genuis and probably values his input on the field. No shame in this, Imran's go to man was Miandad even though he went behind his back in getting him removed as captain.
3. His ability to handle the pressure and keep a cool head - for e.g. in 2011 WC final when the team had a rocky start
4. Dhoni is very well connected in India and with the hierachy of BCCI, so they wouldn't be pleased seeing him not go on his own terms. Tendulkar unperformed in his last few years but wasn't forced out because well they didn't want to come across as being dishonourable and felt his contributions warranted his right to make his own call on his last match.

 

[Reyansh2017]

No Kohli and Kumble had many disagreements, certainly not an isolated incident, many know what went on but I guess all will be revealed on the day when Kohli launches his autobiography. Despite the sub-standard SRs, you still back Kumble's call over Kohli's, and won't accept he approves defensive brand of cricket in one or more aspects of the game, so I'm not going to try and convince you any further.

As for Dhoni, you're absolutely right his batting in ODIs isn't what India need and is far too sedate however Kohli backs him for one or more of the following reasons:

1. He is the best wicket keeper in the country
2. A LOI tactical genuis and probably values his input on the field. No shame in this, Imran's go to man was Miandad even though he went behind his back in getting him removed as captain.
3. His ability to handle the pressure and keep a cool head - for e.g. in 2011 WC final when the team had a rocky start
4. Dhoni is very well connected in India and with the hierachy of BCCI, so they wouldn't be pleased seeing him not go on his own terms. Tendulkar unperformed in his last few years but wasn't forced out because well they didn't want to come across as being dishonourable and felt his contributions warranted his right to make his own call on his last match.

So what are his leadership qualities you are raving about if he needs to be spoon fed by dhoni in odis

 

[topspin]

The fact that Kohli is a wonderful player is clouding your judgement a little bit.

Speaking of "clouding your judgements", you were one of the guys who rated Sarfraz as superior captain and was dead certain that Pakistan would beat India in the Asia Cup and win it.

Sarfraz and his team were so bad, India didn't even need Kohli in the side.

 

[Reyansh2017]

Precisely - this sums up the ignorance on here who have no clue what they're talking about.

Then please tell us what you have against kumble and how he clashed with kohli

 

[JaDed]

When you have a player like Kohli, you bend over backwards to give him what he wants. You have to do all you can to give him the best possible resources to deliver for the team.

If he is not happy with a certain coach or a certain player, you have to give him the authority to do as he pleases.

When Imran was in his prime, he was bigger than the PCB and for a reason. He was not only the captain but also the coach and the selector, and ultimately he delivered.

Kumble the coach is not bigger than Kohli the player, and he is not worth potentially jeopardizing Kohli’s vision for the team. Anyone who has a problem with Kohli has to step aside, and that is how it is.

BCCI did what it had to do.

Lol what? Kumble was no Greg Chappelle ,he actually was good for Indian cricket and had a cricketing brain compared to Shastri, this team was defeated in SA and Eng mind you and lost the CT they have achieved absolutely nothing under Shastri-Kohli combo.

 

[JaDed]

Kohli's downfall will be so hard that he will disintegrate mentally.

On the topic COA and supreme Court really are the worse thing that ever happened to Indian cricket men and women's .

 

[Reyansh2017]

Lol what? Kumble was no Greg Chappelle ,he actually was good for Indian cricket and had a cricketing brain compared to Shastri, this team was defeated in SA and Eng mind you and lost the CT they have achieved absolutely nothing under Shastri-Kohli combo.

This combination has achieved zilch outside of india in the countries that mattered.

 

[BlackShadow]

Kohli-Kumble partnership wasn't working, and Kumble was made to step down.

Yes it sounds cruel, but right decision was made.

 

[Reyansh2017]

Kohli-Kumble partnership wasn't working, and Kumble was made to step down.

Yes it sounds cruel, but right decision was made.

How? Right in what way? Results? Not that I think of anything this combination achieved

 

[JaDed]

Kohli-Kumble partnership wasn't working, and Kumble was made to step down.

Yes it sounds cruel, but right decision was made.

Is Kohli-Shahstri combination working for India? could you please highlight their victories?

 

[jagatk]

No Kohli and Kumble had many disagreements, certainly not an isolated incident, many know what went on but I guess all will be revealed on the day when Kohli launches his autobiography. Despite the sub-standard SRs, you still back Kumble's call over Kohli's, and won't accept he approves defensive brand of cricket in one or more aspects of the game, so I'm not going to try and convince you any further.

As for Dhoni, you're absolutely right his batting in ODIs isn't what India need and is far too sedate however Kohli backs him for one or more of the following reasons:

1. He is the best wicket keeper in the country
2. A LOI tactical genuis and probably values his input on the field. No shame in this, Imran's go to man was Miandad even though he went behind his back in getting him removed as captain.
3. His ability to handle the pressure and keep a cool head - for e.g. in 2011 WC final when the team had a rocky start
4. Dhoni is very well connected in India and with the hierachy of BCCI, so they wouldn't be pleased seeing him not go on his own terms. Tendulkar unperformed in his last few years but wasn't forced out because well they didn't want to come across as being dishonourable and felt his contributions warranted his right to make his own call on his last match.

You have given 1 example that's it, nothing else to come to inference that kumble was defensive, when i say show me more than 1 and you just go defensive with oh you aren't seeing it and not accepting it pap.

I can give you the same list for pujara as you did dhoni.
1. Pujara is the best player of spin in the country not even kohli is better, you back your best players if they go through a bad patch don't drop them like just like what happened to kohli in australia and England.
2. Given the general instability with openers we have faced with the opening pair mostly not working than working, a no 3 who plays time and stabilises innings is a very good thing to have.
3. His is slow at the start of the innings but he picks up once settling down and gets his strike rate up to what is considered acceptable most of the times, in WI he was struggling to continue which led to poor stats.
4. Given what pujara has achieved since without having to change his style much is the testament to Kumble being correct rather than Kohli.

So again how is one considered defensive but the other not, unless ofcourse you are the one biased here.

 

[barah_admi]

Don't think this is an issue as long as the Kohli Shastri combination continues to work for India and Kohli continues to score bucketload of runs for India

India were dismantled rather easily by both SA and Eng in their two biggest tours as no. 1 side. Is that good enough to justify such behaviour? And can any such thing justify such behaviour?

 

[topspin]

Then please tell us what you have against kumble and how he clashed with kohli

So what are his leadership qualities you are raving about if he needs to be spoon fed by dhoni in odis

Oh God please stop this hyperbole regarding his leadership. He is a terrible leader in every sense of the word other than his batting

He leads by example unlike our captain in Sarfraz when it comes to training + practice routines, diet and fitness. Sarfraz doesn't set the right example, doesn't have the charisma and comes across as an uninspiring Karachi street bully.

Virat backs bowlers with more attacking fielders than what they were given under Dhoni's defensive leadership in tests. In addition he backs the team to play an attacking and imposing brand of cricket. This India team with the hostile pace attack under Kohli's full backing for wicket taking makes them perhaps the most menacing of all Indian sides I have ever seen. Yes the batting isn't a match for the 2000s era but Kohli is on his way to setting a new golden era for his side starting with the feat of being the first Asian side to win on Aussie soil.

Sometimes a captain needs a second opinion - I don't call that spoon feeding. As mentioned Imran Khan's go to man was Miandad back in his playing days.

Nothing against Kumble it's just him and Kohli are at the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to what brand of cricket they desire from the side. The former is a superior version of Waqar Younis with a defensive mindset, who was another bowler who didn't have a clue tactically in regards to batting. The latter believes in positive cricket.

 

[Peshwa]

What heights has his team reached for a down fall? It has not even reached to the level of ganguly team

He is jus 30..give him some time... Future looking bright...

 

[BlackShadow]

Is Kohli-Shahstri combination working for India? could you please highlight their victories?

How? Right in what way? Results? Not that I think of anything this combination achieved

It isn't so much about results, but team environment. Last thing Indian Cricket needed was a dressing-room revolt brewing for months, only to wait for a Pakistan style eruption.

Besides, Kohli-Shastri combo has shown a tremendous progress away. Results haven't always gone our way, but India has competed extremely well.

 

[Mamoon]

This post will not go down well with the sane Indian cricket fans. No player is bigger than the team. Kohli will eventually leave the game, but leave behind a dangerous precedent.

"No player is bigger than the team" is a cliched statement that is only true for regular players. If you are the biggest superstar of the game, the best in the world and of course irreplaceable for your team, you will always be bigger than the team. This is of course true in every team sport.

The precedence for future Indian players is that if you are as dedicated as Kohli and become not only the best player in the world but also a successful captain, BCCI will allow you the freedom to implement your vision for the team because you have earned it.

 

[JaDed]

If Sarfaraz is the comparison for captaincy then the bar is very low for Kohli.

He has already lost in England and SA and Aus series and WC will be how he is going to be judged as a captain.

The thread is about Kohli.the captain working against Kumble the coach not the player Kohli,no one is denying he is a great player.

 

[Reyansh2017]

It isn't so much about results, but team environment. Last thing Indian Cricket needs isa dressing-room revolt brewing for months, only to wait for a Pakistan style eruption.

Besides, Kohli-Shastri combo has shown a tremendous progress away. Results haven't always gone our way, but India has competed extremely well.

How can you be so sure the results would have been disastrous if kumble continued? The results of this combo to me are disastrous compred to the team of fab four

 

[jagatk]

Kohli-Kumble partnership wasn't working, and Kumble was made to step down.

Yes it sounds cruel, but right decision was made.

Not losing a test series with a record of 12 wins 1 loss and 4 draws in 17 tests, Finalist of CT, winning 8 of the 13 ODI's and 2 of the 4 T20's, Wonder what working looks like.

 

[BlackShadow]

How can you be so sure the results would have been disastrous if kumble continued? The results of this combo to me are disastrous compred to the team of fab four

I am not saying that. The point is that a dysfunctional coach-captain partnership would have hurt us in the long run. Kohli and Kumble were not compatible, and BCCI had to take a decision, and I believe that the right call was made.

 

[Reyansh2017]

He leads by example unlike our captain in Sarfraz when it comes to training + practice routines, diet and fitness. Sarfraz doesn't set the right example, doesn't have the charisma and comes across as an uninspiring Karachi street bully.

Virat backs bowlers with more attacking fielders than what they were given under Dhoni's defensive leadership in tests. In addition he backs the team to play an attacking and imposing brand of cricket. This India team with the hostile pace attack under Kohli's full backing for wicket taking makes them perhaps the most menacing of all Indian sides I have ever seen. Yes the batting isn't a match for the 2000s era but Kohli is on his way to setting a new golden era for his side starting with the feat of being the first Asian side to win on Aussie soil.

Sometimes a captain needs a second opinion - I don't call that spoon feeding. As mentioned Imran Khan's go to man was Miandad back in his playing days.

Nothing against Kumble it's just him and Kohli are at the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to what brand of cricket they desire from the side. The former is a superior version of Waqar Younis with a defensive mindset, who was another bowler who didn't have a clue tactically in regards to batting. The latter believes in positive cricket.

Haha haha. Kohlis captaincy regarding team selection is lolworthy. What positive captaincy you are raving about? Setting defensive fields to tailenders and lower order batsmen?

 

[jagatk]

It isn't so much about results, but team environment. Last thing Indian Cricket needed was a dressing-room revolt brewing for months, only to wait for a Pakistan style eruption.

Besides, Kohli-Shastri combo has shown a tremendous progress away. Results haven't always gone our way, but India has competed extremely well.

The only reason we haven't won and just competed is because of the Kohli-Shashtri combo, most big losses can be linked to bad selections or poor tactics from them. Even this game we came close to a really humbling loss because Kohli and Shastri went overboard with their stupid attack attack attack philosophy luckily the other team was down in the dumps and couldn't take advantage.

 

[BlackShadow]

Not losing a test series with a record of 12 wins 1 loss and 4 draws in 17 tests, Finalist of CT, winning 8 of the 13 ODI's and 2 of the 4 T20's, Wonder what working looks like.

Sounds like our typical record for a decade now. Tests in SENA however have always been a different story.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Speaking of "clouding your judgements", you were one of the guys who rated Sarfraz as superior captain and was dead certain that Pakistan would beat India in the Asia Cup and win it.

Sarfraz and his team were so bad, India didn't even need Kohli in the side.

We can go back and forth on this point scoring for a while on this forum, since Pakistan is unpredictable to surprise the best of us critics here. Atleast I'm here to admit I was emphatically wrong and face the music. Unlike a few here, who are nowhere to be found when it goes pear-shaped for them.

But that's not what we were discussing here, were we?

 

[Balthazar]

"No player is bigger than the team" is a cliched statement that is only true for regular players. If you are the biggest superstar of the game, the best in the world and of course irreplaceable for your team, you will always be bigger than the team. This is of course true in every team sport.

The precedence for future Indian players is that if you are as dedicated as Kohli and become not only the best player in the world but also a successful captain, BCCI will allow you the freedom to implement your vision for the team because you have earned it.

Smith was also the biggest superstar and look what happened to him. No player is bigger than the game.

 

[Mamoon]

Doesn't change the fact that he's a snake. Regardless, of who he is, all this reflects very badly on his character. On top of that, he has brought a lot of disrepute to Kumble, who is a legend in his own right and someone who certainly did not deserve to go out the way he did.

Imran, as big as he was would never have done something like this nor did he. He was always forthright.

I won't go as far as calling him a snake because these are half-baked reports and we really do not know what the true story is. However, big players usually come with big egos and they channel their ego in different ways.

Imran may never have done something like this, but he is also did something which Kohli would never do. In 1988, he sat out of Australia's tour to Pakistan because it was too hot to play cricket. Can you imagine the backlash that a Pakistani player will face today, if he opts to not play in a UAE Test series because he cannot be bothered to play because of the weather? However, since he was Imran Khan, he could get away with it. He was bigger than the team and for good measure.

Now these are two completely different examples, but the point that I am emphasising here is that big players have a sense of entitlement. Kohli may or may not have acted like a snake, but he was unhappy with Kumble and he wielded his power, just like Imran was okay with sitting out because of the hot weather because he was aware that there will be no repercussions.

 

[Mamoon]

Smith was also the biggest superstar and look what happened to him. No player is bigger than the game.

He was caught doing something illegal. If Kohli is caught tampering and admits his guilt, BCCI will not overreact like CA and ban him for a year, but they will surely hand out a fine or ban him for a few games. You cannot compare the two situations here.

 

[topspin]

I won't go as far as calling him a snake because these are half-baked reports and we really do not know what the true story is. However, big players usually come with big egos and they channel their ego in different ways.

Imran may never have done something like this, but he is also did something which Kohli would never do. In 1988, he sat out of Australia's tour to Pakistan because it was too hot to play cricket. Can you imagine the backlash that a Pakistani player will face today, if he opts to not play in a UAE Test series because he cannot be bothered to play because of the weather? However, since he was Imran Khan, he could get away with it. He was bigger than the team and for good measure.

Now these are two completely different examples, but the point that I am emphasising here is that big players have a sense of entitlement. Kohli may or may not have acted like a snake, but he was unhappy with Kumble and he wielded his power, just like Imran was okay with sitting out because of the hot weather because he was aware that there will be no repercussions.

He did, he was the one who masterminded Miandad's axing as skipper but what matter is the end outcome as we can agree it was for the greater good. Redwood obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.

 

[Balthazar]

He was caught doing something illegal. If Kohli is caught tampering and admits his guilt, BCCI will not overreact like CA and ban him for a year, but they will surely hand out a fine or ban him for a few games. You cannot compare the two situations here.

Both Smith and Warner have lost their ways beacuse they thought they were untouchable. The same thing is happening with Kohli. He may have not cheated but it's only a matter of time before something big happens. No player should wield that much power in any organisation.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

He did, he was the one who masterminded Miandad's axing as skipper but what matter is the end outcome as we can agree it was for the greater good. Redwood obviously doesn't know what he's talking about.

Miandad's axing was masterminded by the senior players: Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas and Mohsin Khan who refused to play under his captaincy. Get your facts straight before accusing me of not knowing what I'm talking about.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Both Smith and Warner have lost their ways beacuse they thought they were untouchable. The same thing is happening with Kohli. He may have not cheated but it's only a matter of time before something big happens. No player should wield that much power in any organisation.

This might hold true for countries like Australia, South Africa and England but does not apply to sub-continental teams where there have already been cult-of-personality figures like Imran and Ranatunga who have also been very successful in the past. Only difference is that Kohli is not 1/10th the captain that they were but I definitely still see him captaining India for as long as he plays.

 

[RainMan_]

Been saying from the start.He shows this fake humility etc just to please fans.He is an egomaniac and arrogant brat.How could he get on with a perfect gentleman like Kumble.Shastri is perfect for him to feed his ego.
Look at Aussies. Everyone bashes them but they had the guts to ban S.Smith who was then the best batsman and their captain after an enquiry.Will BCCI have the guts to do the same?

Best post of this thread. 100% agreed.

 

[shaz619]

Pathetic from Kohli if true

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I won't go as far as calling him a snake because these are half-baked reports and we really do not know what the true story is. However, big players usually come with big egos and they channel their ego in different ways.

Imran may never have done something like this, but he is also did something which Kohli would never do. In 1988, he sat out of Australia's tour to Pakistan because it was too hot to play cricket. Can you imagine the backlash that a Pakistani player will face today, if he opts to not play in a UAE Test series because he cannot be bothered to play because of the weather? However, since he was Imran Khan, he could get away with it. He was bigger than the team and for good measure.

Now these are two completely different examples, but the point that I am emphasising here is that big players have a sense of entitlement. Kohli may or may not have acted like a snake, but he was unhappy with Kumble and he wielded his power, just like Imran was okay with sitting out because of the hot weather because he was aware that there will be no repercussions.

I think you need to update yourself. Many accusations about Virat's conduct during this whole saga were actually made by Diana Edulji, who was on the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators

 

[Sachin136]

Been saying from the start.He shows this fake humility etc just to please fans.He is an egomaniac and arrogant brat.How could he get on with a perfect gentleman like Kumble.Shastri is perfect for him to feed his ego.
Look at Aussies. Everyone bashes them but they had the guts to ban S.Smith who was then the best batsman and their captain after an enquiry.Will BCCI have the guts to do the same?

Has Kohli cheated? Has the ICC suspended him? On what basis should the BCCI ban him?

 

[BaankeJi]

This news article and the person who originated it is too cynical. Unnecessarily paints bad picture.

 

[Abdul]

Does not matter, Kohli is simply too good of a player.

 

[Muhammad10]

I won't go as far as calling him a snake because these are half-baked reports and we really do not know what the true story is. However, big players usually come with big egos and they channel their ego in different ways.

Imran may never have done something like this, but he is also did something which Kohli would never do. In 1988, he sat out of Australia's tour to Pakistan because it was too hot to play cricket. Can you imagine the backlash that a Pakistani player will face today, if he opts to not play in a UAE Test series because he cannot be bothered to play because of the weather? However, since he was Imran Khan, he could get away with it. He was bigger than the team and for good measure.

Now these are two completely different examples, but the point that I am emphasising here is that big players have a sense of entitlement. Kohli may or may not have acted like a snake, but he was unhappy with Kumble and he wielded his power, just like Imran was okay with sitting out because of the hot weather because he was aware that there will be no repercussions.

Wait, what? Never heard of this before. Got a reliable source?

 

[saintgrace]

When you have a player like Kohli, you bend over backwards to give him what he wants. You have to do all you can to give him the best possible resources to deliver for the team.

If he is not happy with a certain coach or a certain player, you have to give him the authority to do as he pleases.

When Imran was in his prime, he was bigger than the PCB and for a reason. He was not only the captain but also the coach and the selector, and ultimately he delivered.

Kumble the coach is not bigger than Kohli the player, and he is not worth potentially jeopardizing Kohli’s vision for the team. Anyone who has a problem with Kohli has to step aside, and that is how it is.

BCCI did what it had to do.

I really dont like Kohli-kumble Saga but BCCI did the right thing here. Coach is not going and performing on ground, he is behind the scene making the decisions. The executioner must have more things to say in cricket like Virat.

 

[Akki malhotra]

This might hold true for countries like Australia, South Africa and England but does not apply to sub-continental teams where there have already been cult-of-personality figures like Imran and Ranatunga who have also been very successful in the past. Only difference is that Kohli is not 1/10th the captain that they were but I definitely still see him captaining India for as long as he plays.

What did kohli do to ban him ?

 

[topspin]

Miandad's axing was masterminded by the senior players: Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas and Mohsin Khan who refused to play under his captaincy. Get your facts straight before accusing me of not knowing what I'm talking about.

No they were involved but Imran Khan was the one behind this.

Anyway even if what you are saying is true, I've exposed your double standards. Kohli is a "snake" for getting rid of Kumble, but Imran Khan accepted the captaincy role after "snakey behaviour" (to paraphrase what you would say) by his team mates including his cousin Majid. This makes him a snake as well going by your logic.

Truth is neither of them are snakes because they did it for the sake of their team. If I had green tinted specs, I guess I would also resort to snake calling towards Indian players as well. Your hatred for Kohli is actually pathetic.

 

[happydavy]

This might hold true for countries like Australia, South Africa and England but does not apply to sub-continental teams where there have already been cult-of-personality figures like Imran and Ranatunga who have also been very successful in the past. Only difference is that Kohli is not 1/10th the captain that they were but I definitely still see him captaining India for as long as he plays.

Kohli is a better and more ambitious captain than Imran and Ranatunga. Imran for all his PPers fanbase won 4 matches outside Asia in 10 years. Kohli is doing that in one year, so gimme a break about Imran's captaincy. Imran was a defensive captain who started the bad trend of putting up phatta please in Pakistan where draw was the priority than winning.

 

[ind_win]

As far as role model of a cricketer - for me, kumble will be up there with kapil and dravid.

as for kohli, just a good to great cricketer, in my eyes.
Nothing much.

I will only enjoy kohli's runs because he scores for India pvt. ltd - as bcci said they do not represent the country in one the affidavit in supreme court few years back - at least that is what I remember.

Who is kumble's replacement - shastri the worst thing to happen to Indian cricket in late 1980s - he showed how a cricketer can use his position to degrade himself. People clamored outside his house to retire....

Anyhow, things have to go forward...I pretend I forgot this.

 

[topspin]

We can go back and forth on this point scoring for a while on this forum, since Pakistan is unpredictable to surprise the best of us critics here. Atleast I'm here to admit I was emphatically wrong and face the music. Unlike a few here, who are nowhere to be found when it goes pear-shaped for them.

But that's not what we were discussing here, were we?

This was never about point scoring and there's no shame of being wrong because we all have and I have no shame to say myself included.

The reason why I brought that up the Asia Cup and Sarfraz's captaincy is because you claimed my judgement was clouded when I disagreed with your claim "leave behind a dangerous precedent", which I felt was a bit rich coming from someone who has claimed time and time again that Sarfraz is a better captain. After his recent failings in the Asia Cup, drawn Aus and lost NZ tests, we know that this couldn't be any further from the truth. If you compare the two on how they lead, one leads by example and sets the right standards of fitness, practice and diet routines whereas the other has become content on CT success. So again I must emphasise this has nothing to do with point scoring.

So I would like to know why is he bound to set a bad precedent? other than an isolated incident involving Kumble, which I feel was the right thing to do by Kohli and BCCI.

We know Virat is far from perfect as captain but truth be told as Pakistan fans we would bite our hand off to have him as skipper of our side, even if he was a half decent batsman! The hate he's getting here like "he's a snake" from substandard posters is just pathetic really.