The Hindu : Sport : Anil Kumble’s moment of glory

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Anil Kumble’s moment of glory

Special Correspondent

Kumble is a role model and relishes challenges, says Pawar

— Photo: K. Pichumani

WORTHY CHAMPION: BCCI President Sharad Pawar presenting a diamond-studded ball to Anil Kumble in Chennai on Tuesday.

Chennai: Spin legend Anil Kumble was felicitated by the BCCI for becoming the first Indian bowler to reach 600 Test wickets at a pleasant function here on Tuesday night.

Accepting a glittering trophy studded with diamonds from Board president Sharad Pawar, Kumble said he was honoured. The Indian and the South African teams, several former India captains, first class cricketers and Board officials were present on the occasion.

The leg-spinning ace stressed cricket was a batsman’s game and the bowlers’ toil to get 20 wickets in a match often went unnoticed. He urged all concerned to restore the balance between the bat and the ball. The Indian Test captain dwelt on his journey over the last 17 years and said he had witnessed the game changing. Kumble recognised the challenge of adapting to the different needs, more so in recent times.

Kumble thanks Bishan

Kumble thanked his first coach, spin great Bishan Singh Bedi, who was present on the occasion, and the others who had contributed in making him successful.

He acknowledged the contribution of those who kept wickets to him, from Kiran More to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, his prominent spin partners Venkatapathy Raju and Harbhajan Singh and Rahul Dravid, who has combined with Kumble in a number of dismissals.

Kumble said playing alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar was an experience that he would cherish forever. Playing under the different captains was a learning experience, he said. He spoke about his on-going stint as captain and thanked the Sharad Pawar-led Board for backing the side in the aftermath of the Sydney Test.

The leg-spinner remembered the contribution of his parents, brother Dinesh and wife Chetna. He made a special mention of former India physio Andrew Leipus for enabling him recover from a career-threatening shoulder injury.

Mr. Pawar said Kumble was a role model. “He relishes challenges,” he added. He termed Kumble’s career “a remarkable one.” Mr. Pawar added, “Kumble is unassuming off the field and a great fighter on it.”

“After seeing him lead against Pakistan, I wondered why he was not made captain earlier,” Mr. Pawar admitted.

Board Treasurer N. Srinivasan said Kumble “combined aggression with diplomacy.” Calling Kumble “an aggressive team player,” Mr. Srinivasan said Kumble, a gentleman cricketer, epitomised consistency and hard work.

Uncompromising

Former India captain and Kumble’s first India ‘room-mate,’ Ravi Shastri said the leggie was “uncompromising, ruthless, relentless, tough as nails and a competitor to the core.” Shastri added, “On top of all this, he is humble.” His commitment is extraordinary,” said Shastri.

The night belonged to Kumble. For a change, the limelight was on a bowler. Kumble, the smiling assassin, deserved his moment of glory.

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