Pune : He feels privileged to be India’s national cricket coach but the legendary Anil Kumble on Tuesday said it has been more satisfying to see Virat Kohli and Co. become self-sufficient in dealing with challenges both on and off the field.
“I have been privileged to have a chance to work this young lot. It’s nice to see this squad grow and understand situations and come up with solutions. You want team to be self-sufficient and not look over their shoulders for advice,” Kumble said in a press conference here.
“I have tried to create an environment where the players can look for solutions on the field and off it as well,” he added. He also praised some individual displays, like off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin becoming the fastest to 250 Test wickets.
“Those kinds of performers are really good to have in the squad” he added.
The team is carrying 16 players even for the home series and Kumble said it has been done to cover for eventualities like injuries.
“We want to put together a squad which we want to keep going forward. They all want to be a part of the team and for us to build a champion side – this is the 14th Test out of 17 this season. It’s keeping the team together that has got these results,” he said.
The squad has also carried a few domestic pace bowlers and the coach said this was done looking ahead to the future requirements.
“It’s not necessary that they will be a part of the squad in near future, but it’s good to have them and bring them into the work culture that we all expect and is needed for success at the international level,” he said —PTI
