Appoint Kumble as India's spin coach

Mumbai: Former Indian skipper and coach Ajit Wadekar and other former Test players Gundappa Vishwanath and Bhagawat Chandrasekhar feel that India’s highest wicket taker Anil Kumble, who announced his retirement from international cricket, can still contribute to the game if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)utilize his vast experience properly.

"Kumble has been our match winning bowler from the past two decades and the amount of experience he has will benefit youngsters if the BCCI appoints him as the spin coach. You don’t get a bowler who has taken over 600 Test wickets everyday, so his experience counts a lot and will give aspiring spinners a real boost if he can share his experience with them," Wadekar told Cricketnext.com on Monday.

"We have had legendary spinners like Bishen Singh Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna serve as coaches and bowling coaches after their retirements. Even Cricket Australia have utilized Shane Warne’s services in recent times to nurture young spinners so I strongly feel the BCCI should immediately offer him a good post so that many more young spinners can be unearthed for the future," he added.

Former chief selector Gundappa Vishwanath feels Kumble’s retirement could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for BCCI and many state associations’ cricket academies round the country as he can share invaluable tips with up-coming young spinners.

"Kumble should be offered the spin coach’s post immediately so that the many cricket academies affiliated to the board and the state associations can take full benefit of his vast experience. He has tremendous experience and ability. There is absolutely no doubt that he will be of immense value to any team," said Vishwanath.

Former leg spinner B S Chandrasekhar, who has been Kumble’s mentor and role model, wants BCCI to have Kumble as a coach or consultant to spot spin talent in the country.

"I sincerely feel that the BCCI should do with Anil what Cricket Australia did with Warne when he retired, it will be like recognizing his great achievements.

Anil has been the most successful spin bowler in India so far and has done so much for Indian cricket. Now is the right time for him share his vast experience with young spinners," Chandra, who himself has taken 242 Test wickets during his playing days, said.