5 on-field incidents that prove Anil Kumble will be a great Coach for India

#5 2007-08 :Australia v India

Anil Kumble is jubilant after he gets rid of Andrew Symonds

If Anil Kumble’s leadership and management capabilities were ever in doubt, a look at the way in which he led the team through the Monkeygate scandal is a revelation. His statement at the post-Sydney Test press conference in 2008 still resonates : “Only one team played in the spirit of the game”.

While defending his team member from unjust allegations of racial abuse, Kumble showed that he was not one to take it lying down. He exemplarily led his team through the controversial series, standing by his team and players, not bowing to the mighty Australians. A thinking captain. A strong leader.

The 2007-08 series is also memorable for a couple of significant decisions by Kumble.

He was instrumental in Virender Sehwag’s recall to the touring squad. Sehwag made important contributions in the last two matches and his 151 in the Adelaide test helped save the match for India.

During the Third Test, throughout the morning session of day four, Ishant Sharma troubled Ricky Ponting with his bowling but could not get his scalp. However, Kumble showed his faith in his teammate and persisted with Sharma and the ploy yielded result as he dismissed the ever-dangerous Ponting.

That is what is needed - a strong, dependable, assured man to keep Kohli in check but fight for the team when the situation demands. Kumble will give respect and space to the Captain but will be his own man, not under the control of the BCCI or dressing-room politics.