Virat Kohli will have to pay for his decision soon, feels Ajit Wadekar

With the resignation of previous Indian head coach Anil Kumble, the Cricket Advisory Committee are determined to give the Indian team a new face in the position before the Sri Lanka tour. The committee which is comprised of stalwarts in the form of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have already received a number of applications for the role.

Former Indian skipper Ajit Wadekar claimed that Virender Sehwag will be the appropriate replacement for Anil Kumble as the former has a storming approach towards the game. Speaking to NDTV, Wadekar said “If not Anil Kumble, then Virender Sehwag is the best option India can have. He has an attacking style approach towards the game and it will be good for India,”

Anil Kumble handed over his resignation on Tuesday after the Indian team flew to the Caribbean to lock horns in a 5 match ODI series. Before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy, BCCI invited applications for taking up the responsibility of the Indian head coach making it clear that the leg spinner will not be given an extension automatically.

Virender Sehwag, Lalchand Rajput, Tom Moody, Richar Pybus and Dodda Ganesh are some of the names that are keen on taking up the job while Anil Kumble was also to be considered in the selection process.

Ajit Wadekar also mentioned that he would still opt for Anil Kumble for the spot because of his flawless record as the coach. In Kumble’s tenure, Team India have tasted gigantic success in the past one year. “I will still prefer Anil for this job. Let’s have a look at India’s performances in the past one year. The statistics itself give the answers. India’s domination in the past one year is commendable in Kumble’s reign. So, we must respect that,” Wadekar said.

“But, if you ask me as a Kumble’s successor, it should be Sehwag,” added Wadekar. The 76-year-old was the first captain to lead India to victories away from home which included conquering England and the West Indies in 1971. The retired cricketer had also been the coach of the Indian team from 1992 to 1996. According to the man, Anil Kumble is a person who had the hunger to win and his resignation has left Wadekar speechless.

“When I was the coach of the Indian team, Anil Kumble was there. He was one of the nicest persons in the team. He was well educated, sincere and mad about his game. The only thing he focussed on – victory. I am amazed after his resignation,” Wadekar said.

“I have seen Kumble sweating it out on a particular delivery during the net sessions. He wanted perfection in everything. Jumbo is a real gem,” he said.

“I really don’t understand why a captain like Virat Kohli has gone to such extent. Kumble is the best man to handle Team India right now,” added the left-handed batsman.

On Virat Kohli:

Wadekar went on to criticise Virat Kohli for his actions which led to Kumble’s stepping down. If Wadekar is to be believed Virat Kohli will regret his decision of demanding a change of head very soon.

“Greatness and modesty should go along. And, in Virat’s case it is almost opposite. He should be feeling blessed to have Anil as a coach. If you are disciplined that doesn’t mean that you are not a good coach. I am sure Virat will realise soon what mistake he has made,”

“I want to ask Kohli, how could he change his opinion in just one year? India were performing and giving positive results. Then why did he do this?”.”It’s a complete sign of immaturity.

Wadekar went on to term the Indian team as a bunch of losers because they lost a valiant leader like Anil Kumble.

“He has been leading the Indian side for a while now, such behaviour wasn’t expected from him. “If you talk about India team, they should consider themselves losers. They have lost a gem like Kumble,”