In the recent history of Indian cricket, the relationship between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble has been one of the most talked-about chapters. The cricketing world was shaken by Kumble’s abrupt resignation as coach of Team India, citing an “untenable relationship” with then captain Kohli, despite the team’s strong performance in the West Indies and Champions Trophy in England. “I had discussed this issue with Virat Kohli, and he acknowledged that the younger members of the team were intimidated by his tactics,” Rai stated in a recent interview.

After the 2017 Champions Trophy, in which India lost to Pakistan in the final, Kumble stepped down from the position as India’s head coach. Following his return from the UK, we spoke with Kumble extensively. Clearly, he was upset about how the episode had turned out. A captain or a team shouldn’t be given so much importance, he felt, and he had been treated unfairly. Rai wrote, “As a senior, the head coach should have been respected for bringing discipline and professionalism to the team.”

Ravi Shastri replaced Kumble as head coach after Kumble resigned, and held the position until the T20 World Cup in 2021.