'Partnership became untenable'

Anil Kumble confirmed on Tuesday that reservations Virat Kohli had about his ‘style’ had led to his departure as coach of the Indian team.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Kumble said after the  Cricket Advisory Committee had asked him to continue as coach, the BCCI told him that the captain had reservations with his ‘style’ and about him continuing as head coach.

Kumble said under the circumstances, it was clear that the partnership was untenable.

Full text of Kumble’s statement on twitter

“I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the CAC in asking me to continue as Head Coach. The credit for the achievements of the last one year goes to the captain, the entire team, coaching and support staff.

“Post this intimation, I was informed for the first time yesterday by the BCCI that the captain had reservations with my ‘style’ and about my continuing as the Head Coach. I was surprised since I had always respected the role boundaries between captain and coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable and I therefore believe that it is best for me to move on.

“Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views are the key traits that I bring to the table. These need to be valued for the partnership to be effective. I see the coach’s role akin to ‘holding a mirror’ to drive self-improvement in the team’s interest.

“In light of these ‘reservations’ I believe it is best I hand over this responsibility to whomever the CAC and the BCCI deem fit. Let me reiterate that it has been an absolute privilege to have served as Head Coach for the last one year. I thank the BCCI, CAC and all concerned.

“I also wish to thank the innumerable followers and fans of Indian cricket for their continued support. I will remain a well-wisher of the great cricketing tradition of my country forever.”