Former Indian skipper Anil Kumble says that he would like to see more Indian coaches in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kumble, who is the head coach of the Kings XI Punjab, is the only Indian coach in the tournament.

Barring Kumble, the coaches of all other seven franchisees are foreigners namely, Ricky Ponting (Delhi Capitals), Brendon McCullum (KKR), Stephen Fleming (CSK), Mahela Jayawardene ( Mumbai Indians), Trevor Bayliss (Sunrisers), Simon Katich (RCB) and Andrew McDonald (Rajasthan Royals).

Keen to have more Indian coaches in IPL

Speaking to PTI from Dubai, Kumble said “I would like to see more Indian coaches in the IPL. It is not a true reflection of Indian resources. I would want to see many Indians being part of the IPL as head coaches. 

“It is a bit of an irony — one Indian as head coach. I think at some point of time there will be a lot more Indian coaches” he added.

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Chris Gayle, agoing 40 is the oldest player in the squad. Other overseas players in the squad are Chris Jordan, Jimmy Neesham, the in-form Nicholas Pooran, Mujeeb Zadran, Hardus Viljoen and Sheldon Cottrell. Meanwhile, Anil Kumble is looking put the left-handed Gayle in a leadership role given his invaluable experience.

“His leadership, his experience, the youngsters look up to him. It is not just Chris the batsman we are looking at but Chris in a leadership role in terms of his contribution to developing young players. I want him to be active on the mentorship role,” Kumble said.

Kings XI Punjab, who are yet to win the IPL, have a good core of Indian and foreign players, which makes the job tougher for Kumble to choose the strongest playing XI. Kumble was instrumental in helping Mumbai Indians win their maiden IPL title in 2013.

“Not just foreign players picking Indian players will be a challenge. We have a few practice games that will we will tell us (the best combination),” said Kumble when asked about choosing the strongest XI for the side.