Kumble shuns RCB, to join Mumbai Indians

Bangalore, Jan 22: Beleaguered Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who have already lost the services of Rahul Dravid and Venkatesh Prasad, will begin the sixth edition of IPL coming April, without another iconic figure Anil Kumble.

The five-year association of former India captain and the Vijay Mallya-owned franchise the RCB has come to an end with both parties mutually deciding to part ways with immediate effect, it was announced on Monday.

Kumble, who is the president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, will join another Indian Premier League franchise, Mumbai Indians, as its chief mentor, a post he was holding with the Bangalore team for the last two seasons after ending his playing career with the side after the 2010 event.

Kumble said he has decided to take up the job with Mumbai to expand the horizons that his sports management company Tenvic has visualised. “I passionately believe that sport has the potential to be an agent of change in nation building,” the ace leggie remarked. “I have made this decision to take up a new assignment based on an opportunity that my company, Tenvic, has been offered.

With this, we will be uniquely positioned to consolidate my passion with the interests of our partners to contribute to the growth of sport across disciplines, especially grassroots sport.

In my discussion with the Reliance Group Management, I find that they have a great and compelling vision for sports in this country, which aligns with my venture’s aspirations in making sports the main catalyst of youth development.

“Tenvic is a sports training and consulting company with Kumble as its co-founder. India’s highest Test wicket-taker said his association with the RCB was an enjoyable one as player, captain and mentor. “During this period, we have achieved most of our objectives and RCB has emerged as one of the leading franchises in the IPL. I leave with happy memories.”

Kumble, who began his stint with the RCB as a player with the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008, led the team to the final of the 2009 edition in South Africa.

During his first year as mentor, RCB entered the finals of both IPL and Champions League T20 in 2011.

Mallya in his reaction said that Kumble had been a great asset to RCB as captain, mentor and advisor. “He has helped shape the entire team and was instrumental in creating a unique sense of passion and commitment.”

Owner of the Mumbai franchise, Nita Ambani, said: “In Anil Kumble, we have a new chief mentor who has extensive cricketing knowledge not only as a player of international stature but also as an able administrator. He is one of India’s leading sporting icons and we have great pleasure in having him on board.”