It's unusual for a former great to become an international cricket coach. Anil Kumble is now in rare company. It's more common for journeyman cricketers to take on what is a demanding role. On retirement, the star player is usually reluctant to burden himself with the time demands or the exhausting travel schedule of an international coach. And that's before he contemplates any controversy that might arise from a poor team performance.

Also, the earnings of the modern cricketer have increased dramatically since the inception of the IPL, to the point where star players are comfortable in retirement. Challenges outside the game often have more appeal.