Anil Kumble introduces $50 penalty for late-coming Team India players

Bengaluru, July 13: When Anil Kumble played the game, he had an impeccable record. He was known for his discipline on and off the field. Now as the head coach of Team India, he wants the players to follow the same principles. For that, he has his own rulebook.

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Kumble, the former Indian captain, was appointed as the chief coach on June 23. He, along with the Test team, is already in the Caribbean for 4-match series.

Kumble (right) with Test captain Virat Kohli at National Cricket Academy (NCA) during India's camp last month

In his first assignment, Kumble has introduced some strict rules for the cricketers, according to a report in "The Indian Express" newspaper.

"If you are late for the Indian team bus, be ready to cough up $50 (Rs 3,352), Anil Kumble has told players. He has also conveyed to them that an official meeting will be held every fourth day and that his doors are always open to any player who wants to have a chat," the paper reported today (July 13).

"These are some of the rules Kumble has enforced since taking charge as India's head coach, in a bid to instil discipline in the young team, which is getting ready for a long tour of the West Indies," it added.

According to a source (travelling with the team), the paper quoted, "Everything is organised. Kumble wants players to understand the importance of discipline and, at the same time, give them freedom. He knows where to draw the line. The Indian team is scheduled to go for scuba diving in the coming days. These small things have been kept for the players to unwind".

Yesterday (July 12), speaking in London, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar too had spoken highly of coach Kumble. He said that the former legspinner "will not make any compromises on the field".

"Anil (Kumble) is a hard competitor. He will not make any compromises on the field. My experience with Anil has been fantastic. Anil has been a big match-winner. Anil is ready to share everything he has learnt from this wonderful sport. He has played for 20 years. There is plenty to share. For players, I would tell them 'go and grasp as much information from Anil'. And above all enjoy cricket. Let it be competitive, play in the right spirit," Tendulkar said.

India and West Indies face off in the 1st Test in Antigua from July 21.

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