Moody or Sehwag?
Pybus or Rajput?
Anil Kumble stepped down as India's cricket coach on Tuesday, June 20, following a rift with Captain Virat Kohli, marking a bitter end to his highly successful tenure.
The spin legend, who was appointed in June 2016, felt the partnership between him and Captain Virat Kohli was 'untenable' and hence it was best to 'move on'.
'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,' Kumble said in a statement.
'I was surprised since I had always respected the role boundaries between Captain and Coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstanding between the Captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership was untenable, and therefore believe it is best for me to move on,' Kumble said.
Not one to go down meekly, India's highest wicket-taker took a clear parting shot at Kohli and made clear that he was not willing to compromise on his work ethic.
'Professionalism, discipline, commitment, honesty, commitment, honesty, complementary skills and diverse views are the key traits I bring to the table,' Kumble -- ever the straight shooter -- said.
'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.'
India had a superb run in Tests under Kumble, winning 12 of 17 Tests, drawing four and losing just one (against Australia).
India retained the No 1 spot in Test rankings during his one-year term.
The unfortunate Kumble episode makes it clear that whoever takes up the job will not only have to look after the team, but also need to be in Kohli's good books.
Check out the likely candidates and vote for who you think should take over as India Coach:
Virender Sehwag
An explosive batsman in his time, Sehwag was apparently asked to apply for the coach's job by BCCI officials who wanted Kumble out.
His coaching experience is limited to the IPL -- he is the mentor of the Kings XI Punjab franchise.
Tom Moody
The Australian has enjoyed a good run as the Sunrisers Hyderabad coach, having steered them to the IPL title in 2016.
Big Tom also coached Sri Lanka when the islanders made it to the World Cup final in 2007.
Lalchand Rajput
Instrumental in shaping Afghanistan into a world-beating side as was proved by their recent victory over the West Indies.
The former Mumbai captain has coached the India 'A' and India Under-19 teams.
Richard Pybus
The Englishman has a lot of experience as coach -- he has been in charge of the Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka teams.
He was Pakistan's coach when the Pakistanis made it to the World Cup final in 1999.
Dodda Ganesh
The former India and Karnataka fast bowler has been Goa's coach for four years.
Ravi Shastri
Virat Kohli's choice for coach last year, but the former team director's public spat with Cricket Advisory Committee member Sourav Ganguly ensured that Kumble got the nod.
Ravi didn't apply for the post this time, but if Boss Kohli and his supporters in the BCCI want him, that won't be a problem.
Rahul Dravid
The best candidate for the job.
But the batting great seems happy moulding India's future cricketers, rather than deal with outsize egos at the moment.
Jam has been working with the India 'A' and India Under-19 teams and is reluctant to take charge of the national side.
Gary Kirsten
The South African was hugely popular with the players.
Gary was India's coach when Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team won the World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium on April 2, 2011.
If you think someone outside this list deserves to take over, please do mention the name and why in the message board at the end of this feature.
