Ajit Wadekar: Indian team should consider themselves losers for losing a gem like Kumble

India are about to take on West Indies in the second ODI of a five-match series but the focal point of Indian cricketing fraternity still remains to be Anil Kumble's resignation as the head coach. Kumble stepped down as the Indian coach terming his relationship with Indian skipper Virat Kohli who had reservations about his style of man-management, 'untenable'. It also emerged that Kumble's call for a regimented and disciplined style from the players did not go down well with the whole team.

“Greatness and modesty should go along. And, in Virat’s case it is almost opposite. He should be feeling blessed to have Anil as a coach. If you are disciplined that doesn’t mean that you are not a good coach. I am sure Virat will realise soon what mistake he has made.

The BCCI had earlier invited applications for the position of the head coach and received submissions from former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, two-time Pakistan coach Richard Pybus, Indian batting legend Lalchand Rajput and Ganesh Dodda. Following Kumble's resignation, the Indian board invited fresh applications for the post and extended the deadline to 9th July.

However, Wadekar feels that Sehwag is the next best option for the Indian cricket team after Kumble.

Under the former leg-spinner's supervision, India won an away Test series against West Indies followed by a loss in a T20 series in the Caribbean. India then returned home to register successive victories against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia and soar to the number one spot in Test rankings. The Men in Blue also finished runners-up in the recently concluded Champions Trophy tournament and Wadekar noted Kumble's record with the team and declared him as the best choice for the position of the head coach.

“I will still prefer Anil for this job. Let’s have a look at India’s performances in the past one year. The statistics itself give the answers. India’s domination in the past one year is commendable in Kumble’s reign. So, we must respect that,” Wadekar said.

The 76-year old, who led India to first victories away from home in England and West Indies in 1971 and was also the coach of the Indian team from 1992 to 1996, heaped praises on Kumble for his persistent efforts during his career.

“When I was the coach of the Indian team, Anil Kumble was there. He was one of the nicest persons in the team. He was well educated, sincere and mad about his game. The only thing he focussed on – victory. I am amazed after his resignation,” Wadekar said.

“I really don’t understand why a captain like Virat Kohli has gone to such extent. Kumble is the best man to handle Team India right now,” added the left-handed batsman.