What Anil Kumble the coach can learn from Anil Kumble the bowler

Also Read: For India cricket, yesterday, once more

Subtle aggression

Monkeygate was the new, brash India’s biggest face-off and needed a calm, collected leader as Indians sought to hold their ground and still land a punch in between the eyes. Kumble’s preferred way was: “Only one team was playing with the spirit of the game..” That’s all that was needed to be said.

Also Read: Anil Kumble given India’s reins, but without a long rope

Planning and plotting

The ticking brains aren’t the only thing common to Kumble and Kohli – there’s also the profound aggression in chasing wins. Kumble might lack the bombast of Shastri but he has has enough guile to plot those traps for Kohli.

WATCH VIDEO: KUMBLE APPOINTED COACH

Committment

Bowling with a broken jaw might not have been the smartest things to do in Antigua (India didn’t win really), but it’s an enduring image to inspire a generation that’s not short on commitment, but needs cohesion of purpose that only a recollection of a very recent past can evoke

Friendships

10 of 10 wasn’t just about beating Pakistan and a perfect day out for Kumble. That was great team spirit seen among the close-in fielders, Srinath bowling wides from the other end and a win to cap it all. The present team – over-dosing on IPL contracts and known for the comparative money they make – could do with a legend in their midst who could plant in a semblance of a soul into this group of young men.