It's not about me or Ravi Shastri, it's about players: Anil Kumble

Graciously skirting the controversy surrounding the snub Ravi Shastri received during his job interview, the newly-appointed Indian coach Anil Kumble today said it’s the players who are the most significant part of the system and no one else.

Sourav Ganguly, one of the three members of the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), had absented himself when Shastri appeared for the interview, leaving the former Team India Director miffed.

Kumble, speaking to media on his first day as coach, said neither he nor Shastri or any other official is as important as the players.

“I was the first one to call Ravi after chosen as the head coach. He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. And it’s not about Ravi or me or anyone else. It’s about the players, it’s about the team,” Kumble said during his first press conference as Team India coach.

“From my point of view, we all want Indian team to do well, and perform at its best. We all believe that India team has the potential to dominate all three formats. He was part of this journey and (now) I am part of this journey. That’s all what I have to say. He congratulated me and I told him we have a fantastic team.

“It could be somebody else tomorrow. I am not permanent here in this role. I have an opportunity to make a difference and I have an opportunity to be part of a journey. I am privileged and honoured to be part of this journey,” he said.

After being overlooked for the job, Shastri had said Ganguly was disrespectful to him and the job he was entrusted with.