Anil Kumble is the right man to guide Indian cricket team, says Adam Gilchrist
Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has hailed legendary spinner Anil Kumble's appointment as India's coach. He also said that MS Dhoni is currently the best ODI captain for India, and believes that Virat Kohli should not be rushed to the captaincy in all the three formats.
Adam Gilchrist, one of the most decorated players in cricket, said that the current combination of Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble is the best way forward for Indian cricket. In an exclusive interview with IANS in Mumbai, Gilchrist spoke on Kumble's appointment as India's head coach.
"It's a fine appointment. He (Kumble) is a respected player and person who will guide the team in the right direction," Gilchrist told.
It's a fine appointment. He (Kumble) is a respected player and person who will guide the team in the right direction."
India became the No. 1 Test team in the ICC Rankings after Australia lost the series 3-0 to Sri Lanka earlier this week. Kumble and Kohli, who share the mentality of aggressive cricket have already impressed with their plans
"The Kumble-Kohli combination has every chance of getting and retaining number 1 spot (Test). Their key focus will be on improving their overseas record; there are already positive signs of this from the win in West Indies,” former Australian wicketkeeper said.
Gilchrist also jumped in defence of India's ODI skipper, MS Dhoni, saying that the wicketkeeper-batsman is the right man for India in the limited overs cricket.
There is no rush in Kohli taking over captaincy (in all formats)."
"MSD-definitely yes,” he said about Dhoni. "There is no rush in Kohli taking over captaincy (in all formats). Whilst MSD is still there, there is no reason for him to stand down. It's a matter of time for Virat," he added on whether Virat Kohli should be made the captain across all formats.
In an effort to popularize cricket across the globe, the T20 internationals between India and West Indies will be played in the United States later this week, and Gilchrist praised the initiative, saying, "It is fantastic and must be encouraged wherever we can.”
Australia is yet to win the T20 World Cup despite winning the 50 over format five times, and the explosive batsmen felt that the Aussies lack a quality spinner in the side to win the T20 title.
"We don't seem to have ever settled on our best T20 line up. We definitely haven't identified and stuck with a spin bowler for any length of time. All successful T20 teams need a good spinner," he said.