New Delhi: Spin great Anil Kumble says one of the biggest learnings from his previous coaching stints, including the controversial one with the Indian team, is to "back off and help the players relax". Kumble resigned as India head coach after the 2017 Champions Trophy final due to an "untenable relationship" with skipper Virat Kohli though the team did well under his tutelage.

Kumble, 48, is back to coaching again, this time as director of cricket operations at Kings XI Punjab. He also held mentorship roles at Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. "With RCB we did not win the title but we came close a couple of times. With Mumbai, we had wonderful success those three years I was there. It is nice to have the experience of crossing the line. It certainly helps [you as a coach]," Kumble said yesterday.