“I certainly won’t curb anyone’s instincts” - When Virat Kohli’s aggressive mindset found support in new head coach Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli didn't enjoy a great association as coach and captain as a result of which the partnership did not last long. However, while things may not have worked out between the two legends of Indian cricket, they began their alliance on the same page.

After being appointed as Team India's new head coach, Kumble backed Kohli's aggressive mindset and asserted that he would not look to curb any player's instincts during his tenure.

At a press conference ahead of the 2016 Test series in West Indies, the former India leg-spinner shared his views on Kohli's much-debated aggressive side and said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo):

"I love his aggression. I was no different. I was also aggressive, but very different in terms of how I probably came across on the field. I'll be the last person to curb someone's natural instincts, but of course we all know how important it is to be ambassadors of India and be a part of the Indian cricket team. That everybody in the team understands.

"There is a fine line, and we will ensure that everybody knows that. I certainly won't curb anyone's instincts," the newly appointed coach went on to add.

India beat West Indies 2-0 in the four-match Test series in West Indies in 2016. The visitors won the first match in Antigua by an innings and 92 runs and the third match in St Lucia by 237 runs. The other two Test matches ended in a draw.

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Kumble resigned as head coach in 2017, terming partnership with Kohli 'untenable'

Kumble resigned as head coach in June 2017, stating that his partnership [with Kohli] was 'untenable', and therefore it was best for him to move on. As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, the former India captain admitted that he was informed by the BCCI about the fact that the captain had reservations with his style and about him continuing as head coach.

Under the Kumble-Kohli combined, the Men in Blue reached the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy but were hammered by arch-rivals Pakistan in the summit clash. The report further added that a couple of days before the Champions Trophy began in England, it emerged in the media that skipper Kohli had informed some BCCI officials that a few of the players were uncomfortable with the 'intimidating' style of Kumble's man management.