Kumble parts ways with Royal Challengers

The team mentor is taking on a new assignment to develop grassroot sport, a press release said on Monday.

Yahoo! Cricket – Mon 21 Jan, 2013 9:21 PM IST

Kumble led RCB to the 2009 final. Anil Kumble has ended his stint as the chief mentor of Royal Challengers Bangalore. The veteran leg-spinner, who had led RCB to the IPL final in 2009, said he will be taking on a new assignment and parts with the team on good terms.

“I have made this decision to take up a new assignment based on an opportunity that my company, Tenvic has been offered,” Kumble said in a press release.

“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. I have had an enjoyable association with RCB, 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. I am thankful to Dr. Vijay Mallya for offering me the role of Chief Mentor, a position that allowed me to observe the challenges of being a franchise owner from close quarters and develop a nuanced perspective of the commercial elements of sport.

“I recollect with fondness my interaction with the team members, administrative and coaching staff of RCB. Finally, my wholehearted gratitude to the fans of RCB whose infectious passion and energy was a significant component of whatever success we had as a team. It is only a calling for a greater challenge and potential for national impact that justified my separation from the RCB fans.”
 
Mallya, the RCB team owner, said, “Anil has been a great asset to RCB as captain, chief mentor and advisor. He has helped shape the entire team and was instrumental in creating a unique sense of passion and commitment. Given Anil’s vision for developing young talent and excellence in various sporting activities, I appreciate his decision to move on particularly since he has identified a strong partner to execute this long term vision.”

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