Anil Kumble | Can the legendary bowler transform into a great coach?

On Wednesday, Anil Kumble shared a picture of Muntjac, commonly known as the barking deer, from his Twitter handle. These small deer have a big 'V' sign on their foreheads. It was coincidental, but 24 hours later, it turned out to be symbolic. Kumble landed one of the most coveted coaching roles in international cricket, and if things go wrong, it will not take much time for that 'V' to turn into an 'X'.

Kumble's appointment also signaled the return of the 'Fab five' at the top of the pyramid in Indian cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman are leading the Cricket Advisory Committee, which is increasingly looking more than just a fancy group of former cricketers. Rahul Dravid is mentoring the youth, and now, Anil Kumble will look to guide the senior team to the top of the Test rankings with the team set to play a host of Test matches in the next four months.

Even the BCCI is skeptical. They have not afforded Jumbo a long rope. He has been signed for one year, after which his performance will be reviewed. The one-year stint means that his replacement, in case Kumble does not succeed, will have enough opportunity to form and mold his team before the 2019 World Cup.

The 45-year-old does not have a lot of coaching experience apart from mentoring Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in the IPL. However, based on the type of player he was, we can always presume the type of coach he will turn out to be.

In fact, not many are aware of the role played by Kumble in taming the talented, yet tempestuous Virat Kohli during his time at RCB. Ever since his debut in 2008, his off-field behaviour and attitude were scrutinised. During the third edition of the IPL, RCB coach Ray Jennings and captain Anil Kumble pulled up Kohli for what can be described as a subtle dressing down. Kohli was told to mend his ways, control his aggression, and fulfill his enormous potential—and he is on his way to do.

Kohli has been groomed as the future leader of the side in all the formats, and Kumble will be the perfect foil to his aggressive approach to the game. Kumble will question his decisions and iron out any wrinkles of temper issues that Kohli might still have in his game.

The former leggie is also someone who has chased excellence throughout his career, and is somewhat of a perfectionist. The records which he has racked up, be it the 10-wicket haul against Pakistan or being the third-highest Test wicket-taker of all time, have not just fallen his way my chance. As a bowler, he was not as talented as Shane Warne or Muttiah Muralitharan, but his hard work and perseverance made up for that, and more. He gave 100% on the field every time he wore that Indian jersey, and expected no less from his teammates. Every misfield on his bowling drew stern look for the fielder, and one can expect more of the same from him as a coach. He is someone who will always value hard work more than talent, and that is something that will bode well for the youngsters.

Kumble might not have extensive coaching experience, but it was under his mentor-ship that Mumbai Indians lifted their first IPL crown in 2013, followed by the second in 2015, along with their second Champions League trophy. He is also a keen student of the game, and has the experience of leading the International Cricket Council's cricket committee. Under his reign, the committee has suggested a new league format, which can revolutionize ODI cricket—which again underlines the fact that he is young, and will bring some fresh ideas to the team.

Kumble could not have asked for a much better way to start his reign. An away tour, far from the prying eyes of the Indian media, against a weakened opponent, in a format where results are less likely to be determined by luck, and on tracks which are likely to favor the Indian spinners.

His tenure will start with India's tour to West Indies, who despite their success in the shortest format of the game does not look like a side who enjoys playing Test cricket. Kumble could not have asked for a much better way to start his reign. An away tour, far from the prying eyes of the Indian media, against a weakened opponent, in a format where results are less likely to be determined by luck, and on tracks which are likely to favor the Indian spinners.

During his playing days, at least for the most part of it, Kumble was not the biggest turner of the ball. But, he is in a prime position to turn the fortunes of Indian cricket, and help them reach the summit.

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