Anil Kumble praises Virat Kohli and co. for their consistency throughout the long home season

India’s head coach and the most prolific spinner to represent them, Anil Kumble has been full of praise for a belligerent and relentless Indian team that have remained unbeaten in 17 Tests under Virat Kohli, having helped themselves to No.1 rank in the process. The former captain was pleased to see the squad “grow” and hailed the players’ self-sufficiency and independence.

“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. I have tried to create an environment where the players can look for solutions on the field and off it as well,” Kumble said, in a bid to make the team more well-rounded and professional in their performances.

The former leg-spinner, who had over 600 Test scalps against his name himself, also appreciated the individual milestones and records the members had passed, most impressed by Ravichandran Ashwin’s race as the fastest to pick 250 wickets in Test history.

“Some of them have played 40-45 Tests. Virat has played over 50. Achievements as an individual, people have had. They have all achieved quite a bit and someone like Ashwin is the fastest to reach 250 wickets in Test history, that’s something which is amazing. Those kinds of performers are really good to have in the squad” Kumble said.

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He reiterated how it was a “privilege” to manage Team India for his ongoing tenure that already has spanned 10 months. “I have been privileged to have a chance to work this young lot for the last ten months. I am really happy I have had the opportunity to work with all of them,” he added.

A pragmatic Kumble also laid down his plans for the future- a bid to build “a champion side” and groom youngsters by “bringing them into the work culture” and giving them the resources to succeed at international level.

“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.”

Kumble also pinpointed Aniket Choudhary, Basil Thampi and Nathu Singh as prospective fast bowlers traveling and training with the squad with the aim of “engaging them” and “have them in the scheme of things”.

“We want options for any eventuality. We had injuries in the past just before the game or on day of match. We want to keep team together and build on who will be a part of the Test arena, barring one or two, for a long time,” he added.

However, the Indian head coach was also quick to add, “It’s not necessary that they will be a part of the squad in near future, but looking at the series coming up or even far ahead it’s good to have them in the scheme of things and bring them into the work culture that we all expect and is needed for success at the international level.”