Looking forward to learning from Kumble, says Murali Vijay 

INDIA OPENING BATSMAN Murali Vijay is a big fan of newly elected head coach Anil Kumble and believes that it is a great opportunity for the youngsters in the team to learn from the legendary spinner.

As reported by PTI, Vijay said, 

“It is a great opportunity for youngsters to talk to him about cricket and learn from him and move forward. So it will be a great time for us.”

The Indian team is busy with the preparatory camp held by Kumble at NCA, Bangalore ahead of the tour of the West Indies.

Vijay, who plays for Kings XI Punjab in Indian Premier League, said that although he wasn’t fortunate enough to share many games with Kumble, he has always remained a huge fan of him.

“My first Test match was his last Test match and actually I did not spend lot of time with him, but I have been a great fan of him as a youngster.”

When asked what he makes of Kumble-Kohli combination, the 32-year-old,

“I can't talk anything ahead of time. It will be too early to comment on that, but it is going to be a great 12 months for us as a team - that much I can guarantee you. We are going to be up for it and we just want to be best in coming 12 months."

India is set to travel to West Indies to play four Tests starting from July 21. Speaking about the individual preparation ahead of the away tour, the Chennai-lad added,

“I have been to the West Indies three times before and I have a fair bit of idea of how it is going to be there. I am looking forward to stick to my basics and be as consistent as possible, hopefully, and if I can do that I will be happy at the end of it.”

Meanwhile, rookie Mumbai seamer Shardul Thakur, who will be the lone new face for the West Indies tour, expressed his eagerness to play under Kumble and get his international career off to a good start.

“I must say he created an impact right in his first interaction itself. I am keen to work with him and learn a lot of things. He is a legend. He has loads of experience and it is going to be very useful to the team and me. I am looking forward to spending time with him on this tour.”

Thakur, who has had an impressive record in the last two Ranji Trophies picking 41 wickets in 2015-16 and 48 wickets in 2014-15 seasons, wants to make the most of the opportunity. 

“There is always a bit of nervousness when you are new to the setup. I was nervous before landing here, but once I talked to the guys, I settled down. When we fly to St. Kitts, I might be a bit nervous but at the same time, it gets the best out of me.”