The cricketing action has started amid coronavirus pandemic in England. The hosts are currently playing a three-match Test series against West Indies, after which England will play against Ireland, Pakistan and Australia as well.
However, Indian fans might have to wait a bit longer to see their favourite stars taking the cricket field as COVID-19 cases here are increasing day by day. Due to the vast spread of the deadly virus, India’s massive domestic T20 tournament, Indian Premier League (IPL) also got postponed. But now if everything goes right then, the lucrative league may take place in UAE later this year.
Meanwhile, Indian cricketers, be it currently active players or former internationals, are engaging in different activities to entertain their admirers. In the process, ex-India captain Anil Kumble shed lights on his coaching tenure for the Indian cricket team.
Kumble stepped down after the Champions Trophy in 2017 following a rift with skipper Virat Kohli. The 49-year-old recently said he doesn’t regret his time as head coach of the Indian cricket team but felt that the ending of his tenure could have been better.
“We did really well in that one year. I was delighted that there were some contributions made and there are no regrets. I was happy moving on from there as well,” Kumble told former Zimbabwean cricketer Pommie Mbangwa in an online session.
“I know the end could have been better, but then that’s fine. As a coach, you realise, when it’s time to move on, it’s the coach who needs to move on. I was thrilled. I played a significant role in that one year,” he added.
The former Indian spinner had a successful one-year stint as India coach. Under his regime, the ‘Men in Blue’ reached the Champions Trophy final in 2017 and also became a dominant Test side. They just lost one out of 17 Tests during Kumble’s tenure.
“I was very happy that I took up that role (India coach). It was great, the one year I spent with the Indian team was really fantastic. Having been with great performers and again being a part of the Indian dressing room is a great feeling,” the Bengaluru-born added further.
Kumble, who took 619 wickets in 132 Tests and 337 wickets in 271 ODIs for India, is currently the head coach of the Kings XI Punjab – an IPL franchise.
