New Delhi: Anil Kumble's first assignment with the Indian team went according to plan.
Under Virat Kohli's captaincy, the Indians registered an easy 2-0 series win over the West Indies.
The four-match series in the Caribbean also offered Kumble the first real chance to assess his Test squad.
Kumble was not just impressed with the commitment of his side, but was blown away by skipper Kohli.
"The last time I saw him closely working on his cricket, being a part of the squad, was 2012. And from 2012 to 2016, it has been a massive difference. All the difference, all the change, has been for the good. He’s extremely professional in the way he goes about his game. I have not seen anyone that professional in terms of looking after his fitness, his work ethics and in terms of his preparation, what needs to be done. I think that’s something that probably when he first came into RCB, to what it is now, it is a massive change. That’s credit to him," the legendary leg-spinner told wisdenindia.
"We can see all the good work that he has put in, all the hard work that he has put in, has shown on the field as well in terms of the performances that he has put up. It clearly shows that he wants to do this, he wants to be the best and he leads from the front, which is good. Everyone in the team, in terms of their fitness levels and in terms of their awareness of all this to make them a better player and to make us a better team, is there consistently. That’s the kind of environment that currently prevails in the team, which is very healthy," he further added.
Kumble's next big Test is scheduled from September 22, as India take on New Zealand in a three-Test series.
The Kiwis' long tour will come to an end on October 29 after the fifth ODI at Visakhapatnam.
