Team is more important than individuals: Kumble

Newly-appointed Indian cricket team head coach Anil Kumble said on Wednesday that the team is more important than individuals.

Kumble's appointment was preceded by a lot of controversy. Former India team director Ravi Shastri -- reportedly the preferred choice of national Test team skipper Virat Kohli -- had accused Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) member Sourav Ganguly of disrespecting him after the ex-India captain left just before his interview for the coach's job.

But Kumble sought to dismiss speculation about any bad blood between him and Shastri.

"I was the first one to call Ravi (Shastri). It is not about Ravi or Kumble but it is about the team," Kumble told reporters here.

Talking about the forthcoming West Indies tour, he said India has a good team with the likes of Kohli, Murali Vijay, Amit Mishra and Ishant Sharma having enough experience to guide the youngsters.

Kumble's current tenure is for one year. But the former leg-spinner chose not to stress on the shortness of the duration, preferring instead to consider it as a journey.

Talking about his role as the coach, Kumble said he knows the responsibilities of being at the helm of the Indian cricket team and clarified that the on-field calls will be made by the captain.

"I am just there to help. I will only assist him and bring the experience," said Kumble, who was addressing the media for the first time after being appointed as the head coach of the Indian team.

Kumble added that he is looking for maximum outdoor net practice, which would include two practice sessions every day with the morning session starting at 9 am and the afternoon session starting at 2 pm for the preparatory camp of the travelling Indian team.

--IANS

sth/ajb/bg