New Delhi, Jun 20 (IANS): Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble has decided against continuing as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, it was announced on Tuesday.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirms that Anil Kumble has withdrawn his services as the head coach for the senior India men's team," BCCI said in a statement.
"While the Cricket Advisory Committee had endorsed an extension to his tenure as head coach, Anil Kumble has decided not to continue in the post," it added.
According to reports, Kumble, whose one-year tenure was scheduled to end at the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales, stayed back in England instead of travelling with the team for their next assignment in the West Indies.
The Indian team on Tuesday left for the West Indies, where they are to play five One-day Internationals (ODI) and a solitary T20 International.
BCCI Acting Secretary Amitabh Choudhary appreciated Kumble for his successful stint with the Indian team, especially in the Test format. With Kumble as coach, India regained the top-ranked status in the five-day version of the game with consecutive victories over the West Indies, New Zealand, Bangladesh, England and Australia.
He also coached the One-Day International (ODI) side to the final of the Champions Trophy in England. In the final, India suffered a huge 180-run loss to Pakistan.
"We wish to place on record our sincere appreciation for the immense contribution by Anil Kumble to the team which enabled India to attain the No.1 Test position," Choudhary said.
"Indian cricket needs his continued contribution in various capacities and wishes him all the best in his future endeavour."
Earlier, reports of a rift between skipper Virat Kohli and Kumble had emerged, prompting the BCCI to advertise for the post of head coach just before the team landed in England for the Champions Trophy.