Ravi Shastri to step down as India coach after T20 World Cup, Anil Kumble likely to return

Anil Kumble’s life may come full circle, as the BCCI headed by Sourav Ganguly may ask him to apply for the post of head coach of the Indian national team along with VVS Laxman, as soon as Ravi Shastri completes his term after the T20 World Cup.

Kumble was the coach of the Indian team for a year between 2016-17 when the Cricket Advisory Committee headed by Sachin Tendulkar, Laxman and Ganguly had appointed him, replacing Shastri.

However, a bitter fall-out with captain Virat Kohli led to Kumble tendering his resignation after the Champions Trophy final defeat against Pakistan.

Along with Kumble, the board may also approach Laxman, who has been a mentor of the IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad for some years now.

However, Kumble will be favourite even as Laxman will also remain in contention.

“Anil Kumble’s exit needs course correction. The manner in which the CoA 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 PTI on conditions of anonymity.