Sunil Gavaskar terms Anil Kumble's resignation 'a sad day for Indian cricket'

Anil Kumble’s resignation as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, owing to his differences with Virat Kohli, has sent shock waves across the nation. While most Indians continue to debate whether the former Indian leg-spinner stepping down was the right move or not, Gavaskar said, "I have very little knowledge about the differences between Virat and Anil," he told NDTV.

"But it is a really sad day for Indian cricket.India have won everything since the time Anil took over. I can't see Anil doing much wrong in one year. Difference happen in any team but see the results."

The only thing that has surprised Gavaskar about Kumble’s resignation is the manner of his departure given that Gavaskar felt the 46-year old didn’t stand up for himself in this situation. However, the former Mumbai batsman empathised with Kumble’s decision saying, "Anil must have had his reasons (of resigning). I would have thought Anil would carry on. Once the CAC expressed their confidence in him, Anil should have stuck around. Hope he will take it on the chin and comes back stronger. But it is the first time a known fighter like Anil did not stand up."

Further, given that the BCCI-appointed Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has sided with Kohli on the dismissal of Kumble, Gavaskar feels that the committee should do more for the game. "I know that the CAC met Virat and had a very long session with him. Anil's experience as a player and as an administrator needs to be utilised. CAC should be doing more for Indian cricket than just selecting the coach,” he added.

Finally, asked whether  India will have to appoint a coach before the tour of Sri Lanka Gavaskar said, "It is for the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) to take a call on that."