Wonderful initiative, says Kumble

Impressed by the facilities at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium, Indian coach Anil Kumble says the two T20 Internationals against the West Indies is the start of a “new beginning” for cricket in the USA.

“It’s a wonderful initiative and we are really looking forward to our matches here. We know US, the expats and the huge Indian diaspora who want quality cricket to come to the US,” said Kumble.

“We have played in the past in the West Indies and a lot of Indians come over from the US to watch us. So this is a great opportunity for all of them and I’m sure this is the start of a new beginning in the United States.” Kumble was also pleasantly surprised by the facilities here. “I certainly didn’t expect the facilities to be as good as what it is in the United States.

“I certainly felt that it could be a makeshift. I had heard about Florida and this ground and we are very impressed with the facilities that we have seen. It’s the first time that I’m seeing this ground and the wickets are good, ideal probably for a T20. The practice facilities have been good, the outfield looks fantastic. So all in all, we are really impressed with the facilities here.”

The former India captain said that he is happy with the success in the preceeding Test series and the team at his disposal. “Of course the start (of coaching career) always makes it that much sweeter when you’ve had success and I can’t ask for a better set of players in terms of what I want from them,” he said.

“They are extremely committed and very disciplined. You tell them what you need and they are ready to put their hand up and do it.” Kumble was excited to work alongside limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the first time in his capacity as coach. “This is the first time that I’ll be working with MS, obviously we have played together over a long period of time and we had a chat yesterday and today as well. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Calling the shift from Tests to T20Is mainly as a “mindset change”, Kumble was aware of the change they may see from the West Indies. “West Indies has always been a tough side, they are the T20 world champions. About the shift that we need to make from Test cricket to T20, the West Indies players may not have to do that because some of them are coming straight from the CPL. They are quality cricketers and have shown consistently how good they are.”