Anil Kumble steps down as India coach

Photo: AFP New Delhi: After deciding against traveling with the team to West Indies citing personal reasons, India head coach Anil Kumble has now decided to step down. The former India leg spinner’s term ended on June 19 but the Committee of Administrators (CoA) with the go-ahead from Cricket Advisory Committee decided to give an extension to Kumble till the West Indies tour, which is slated to begin from June 23. Kumble, who had remained tight-lipped throughout the entire episode, offered his resignation after the team boarded the Caribbean-bound flight. Kumble opted not to travel with the team despite having a confirmed flight ticket. Reports about a possible fall out between Kumble and captain Kohli have found wings after the immediate resignation after the Champions Trophy final. The Cricket Advisory Committee comprising of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman will select the next India coach from an eminent list which includes Virender Sehwag, Tom Moddy, Richard Pybus, Lalchand Rajpoot and Dodda Ganesh. Former India opener Virender Sehwag appears to be the front runner to bag the high profile job. Meanwhile, Team India would be without the services of a head coach in the West Indies tour, which includes 5 ODIs and a lone T20I match. Batting coach Sanjay Bangar is expected to take over the reigns till further instructions from the BCCI.