Anil Kumble Says He Loves Virat Kohli's Aggression
Anil Kumble, head coach of Indian cricket team, said he will back Virat Kohli's aggression on the pitch as long as it doesn't crosses the line
Highlights
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India will play four Tests in the West Indies from July 21 to August 22
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This is Anil Kumble's maiden assignment as India's head coach
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India had a six-day training camp at the NCA in Bengaluru
India head coach Anil Kumble on Monday said that he will not curb Test skipper Virat Kohli's natural instinct of being aggressive.
"I love Virat's aggression. I was aggressive myself. I will not curb someone's natural instinct," newly-appointed coach Kumble said at a press conference in Bangalore ahead of India's departure for the tour of West Indies starting July 6.
India will play four Tests in the Caribbean. The first Test starts in Antigua from July 21. The fourth and final Test will be played in Trinidad from August 18-22.
The Indian team underwent a six-day camp in Bangalore's National Cricket Academy. The sessions were divided between nets, skills training a team bonding activities.
"It was great to have Anil bhai with us. His experience counts a lot for us and the bowlers were feeling his presence very much," Kohli said.
This will be Kumble's maiden international assignment and the former Test captain said India were expected to win the series.
"There may not many who have played in the West Indies before, but we have the experience," Kumble said.
'I love Virat's aggression and I was no different during my playing days' - @anilkumble1074 #TeamIndia #WIvInd pic.twitter.com/TrVp9PdbTU
- BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2016
Kumble has chosen not to have a bowling coach with the squad and Kohli feels the former leg-spinner, India's highest wicket-taker, was good enough for the bowlers in the squad.
"The bowlers will have someone to fall back on," said Kohli, who said it was imperative to back specialist players like wicket-keepers and openers on the tour.
'West Indies' series is a perfect opportunity to challenge ourselves' - #TeamIndia skipper @imVkohli #WIvInd pic.twitter.com/VUztBNswp8
- BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2016
"We have a long season ahead and it is important to find out how we play Test cricket in the next year. We are not playing for rankings. It's not in our control," Kohli said.