Former India coach Anil Kumble has faith in the team led by Virat Kohli to break their series drought in South Africa next month. India have never won a Test series in South Africa and will look to end that record when they head there for a three-match series starting January 5.
Addressing an event in Bengaluru, Kumble, who made way for Ravi Shastri in July, said, as quoted by the Times of India, “I’m confident that the team which we have will certainly go on to create history in South Africa and then beyond. That’s the confidence I have.”
Kumble had an unceremonious exit as head coach after India lost in the final of the Champions Trophy in June to Pakistan. There were reports of a rift between him and Kohli in the media ahead of the tournament. The Indian team had done well under him, winning all their Test series, although all but one against West Indies were at home.
Despite the controversial exit, Kumble spoke highly of Kohli, saying, “I’m sure the team under Virat certainly has the capabilities to achieve that and continue all the good work they have been doing.” Kumble did, however, add that coaches in cricket “don’t have too much to say or too much to do”, implying that the captain was more important.
“But nonetheless this is an excellent recognition of all the good work that the team did over the past one year and they have continued with their winning ways,” he said. “This wouldn’t have happened without the support group, all the support team that I had over the past year has been exceptional. So thanks to them, thanks to the members of the team.”