Farewell Jumbo
Oh well, a lot of my recent blog posts have been farewell notes for cricketers we grew up watching. One more rides into the sunset now, with Anil Kumble announcing his retirement at the end of the 3rd test of the Border - Gavaskar trophy.
As soon as Jumbo announced his decision, the relief on his face was very visible. He decided to open the bowling in the second innings, and bowled his last few overs in test cricket at his favourite Firozshah Kotla, where he equalled Jim Laker's record of 10 wickets in a test innings.
I often feel that Kumble has not been given the kind of recognition due to him. He has architected many many wins for India over the last 18 years, often choking up the runs from one end, while relentlessly attacking too. I will always remember the picture of Kumble bowling with a bandaged face after he broke his jaw during a test match in the West Indies. That was the commitment of the man. Also, what is commendable about him has been the dignity with which he has conducted himself on and off the field over all these years. He has never been in the news for any wrong reason, and has been a thorough gentleman all the way.
As one more of India's all time greats hangs up his boots, he'd probably be a very satisfied man, not only for his personal achievements (619 test wickets, which put him at no. 3 on the all time list), but also for the fact that he has been part of a great transformation in Indian cricket. The team which was once termed as 'tigers at home and lambs abroad' is now one of the most respected teams across the world. India is certainly one of the top 3 test playing nations now and Kumble has had no small contribution to that.
So, adieu Jumbo. We will surely miss you. Hope you stay involved with Indian cricket. So, let me end here, knowing fully well that I'll write another blog next week once Dada completes his last test!!!!!
As soon as Jumbo announced his decision, the relief on his face was very visible. He decided to open the bowling in the second innings, and bowled his last few overs in test cricket at his favourite Firozshah Kotla, where he equalled Jim Laker's record of 10 wickets in a test innings.
I often feel that Kumble has not been given the kind of recognition due to him. He has architected many many wins for India over the last 18 years, often choking up the runs from one end, while relentlessly attacking too. I will always remember the picture of Kumble bowling with a bandaged face after he broke his jaw during a test match in the West Indies. That was the commitment of the man. Also, what is commendable about him has been the dignity with which he has conducted himself on and off the field over all these years. He has never been in the news for any wrong reason, and has been a thorough gentleman all the way.
As one more of India's all time greats hangs up his boots, he'd probably be a very satisfied man, not only for his personal achievements (619 test wickets, which put him at no. 3 on the all time list), but also for the fact that he has been part of a great transformation in Indian cricket. The team which was once termed as 'tigers at home and lambs abroad' is now one of the most respected teams across the world. India is certainly one of the top 3 test playing nations now and Kumble has had no small contribution to that.
So, adieu Jumbo. We will surely miss you. Hope you stay involved with Indian cricket. So, let me end here, knowing fully well that I'll write another blog next week once Dada completes his last test!!!!!
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