The Hindu : Sport : For Kumble, performance is paramount

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 26, 2004

Sport

Sport

For Kumble, performance is paramount

By Vijay Lokapally

GENTLEMAN CRICKETER: The genial Anil Kumble, five wickets away from becoming India's highest wicket-taker, introspects on his chequered career. — Photo: V.V. Krishnan

KANPUR, NOV. 25. The joy of another five-wicket haul is buried under the pain of having to explain he is a different kind of bowler.

It is indeed a pity that Anil Kumble, a mere five wickets away from becoming India's highest wicket-taker, is still trying to convince everyone that he is not the conventional leg-spinner but as effective as one can be.

"I know I'm not conventional, I don't spin the ball, I don't flight the ball, but it's sad that after 15 years, knowing what I do, I still have to answer such questions. My job is to stop runs and take wickets. I have my own unique style and I'm proud of it," says the gentleman cricketer from Karnataka.

"There have been lots of ups and downs. Probably, more ups than downs. It's been tough work. Not really easy to survive. But I'm glad that I've done reasonably well," says Kumble

How was it when critics and former players termed him a liability? "I knew I was never a liability. I was never worried about my place because I never looked at the next game. I had a job to do, take as many wickets as possible. I play with the same mindset even now. I'm responsible for taking wickets and there has been no change in my attitude."

Kumble's towering presence gives the Indian team a formidable look but then no cricketer would have endured the humiliation and hurt that he has experienced over a period of time.

In his own words, the episode at Port of Spain before the Test against the West Indies was shattering. "I was told I was playing and then ten minutes down the line I was not. It was sad," he remembered.

At the end of the Test that India won, Kumble, the model team-man, was the most excited, clicking pictures to document the grand occasion.

Not the first choice

In the current scheme of things, Kumble is not the first choice in the team management's plans. He does not mind. He was picked reluctantly for the tour to Australia last year but embarrassed his detractors by performing. He played the Adelaide Test and a five-wicket haul in the first innings sort of revived his career.

"Bhajji [Harbhajan] would've played if he was fit or Kartik if he had come on time. I just went out to enjoy. They said I was not good. It can't get worse. But it made no difference to my attitude. I just kept pegging away. I knew not all days are same."

In Kumble's opinion, "It's not just skills that count but the attitude and behaviour too. I'm not complaining but I feel sad when people who have played the game at this level criticise needlessly."

Constantly learning

The leg-spinner is currently working on variations to add more teeth to his bowling. "I'm trying a few things. I'm working on the flipper and the orthodox leg-break. I've played so long but I also would like to be more orthodox. I'm working on it. No bowler is complete. You want to add something all the time otherwise you become stale. This is my motivation or else I wouldn't have survived so long."

Looking ahead, Kumble notes "I will keep playing as long as possible. 500 wickets is a realistic target. My top priority will always be my bowling but I would certainly like to get a Test hundred. I know I've the capability. I may not have scored but I've been involved in crucial partnerships at various points. I just need a little time."

Kapil Dev, on the verge of losing his record, is overjoyed. "I never thought he would come this far. He didn't impress when he started but look at his awesome achievements. He is one of the greatest bowlers in the game and has matured superbly when bowling overseas. I didn't have the same motivation but I would love to see Kumble get 500 or more wickets. He likes to keep a low profile and I like him because he's a different bowler. The current cricketers should emulate his discipline and commitment," says Kapil.

The city of joy waits to honour this distinguished bowler who has served Indian cricket most selflessly. Appreciation is also on the way from Kapil, who holds the record with 434 wickets. "I'm waiting for it to happen," says Kapil. So does Kumble.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport