Ode To Kumble

The origins of this blog post go back to the day of Diwali, 1996. That year the World Cup was held in India and I had my first tryst with cricket. At that time I felt India had only two good players: Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble. I used to ask my cousin why Azharuddin did not give Kumble the ball from the word go and other such silly questions. He patiently explained the answers, and I could not help but be overwhelmed at his knowledge.

However, one question he never answered with conviction was what would happen when Sachin and Anil retired. That Diwali, when I pestered him with the same question, he told me that I need not worry because they would play for the next 10 years. That answer satisfied me and I never asked it again.

Yet this Diwali, as India won the 2nd Test and news of Kumble’s retirement broke, it felt like déjà vu. Suddenly I remembered my cousin’s 10-year deadline and realized it had passed by a good two years. It seemed India would have to cope with the loss of Kumble.

Jumbo was inarguably the best Indian spinner ever—a fierce competitor and the dictionary definition of the word relentless. He was often downplayed by critics who said he did not spin the ball enough. But the golden era of spin now sees the departure of its greatest warrior. Kumble the legend won India countless matches, and as he leaves the game, we can only hope that the great man’s shoes can be filled by someone who can live up to his illustrious predecessor.

We bid farewell to Anil Kumble with a heavy heart, for the relentless yet gentlemanly approach of the man will never again be seen in the India cap.

Anil Kumble Statistics

Batting and Fielding Averages

Bowling Averages

• Test Debut: England v India at Manchester, Aug 9-14, 1990
• Last Test: India v Australia at Delhi, Oct 29-Nov 2, 2008
• ODI Debut: India v Sri Lanka at Sharjah, Apr 25, 1990
• Last ODI: Bermuda v India at Port of Spain, Mar 19, 2007