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Playing for India is motivation: Kumble

Vijay Lokapally

Expects good results in Tests

— Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

FULL SUPPORT: India’s Test captain Anil Kumble feels he has no problems in dealing with the seniors in the squad.

NEW DELHI: Anil Kumble last bowled in a Test in Sri Lanka nine years ago. The last series he figured in was 11 seasons ago when India won 1-0. He missed the last series in 2001 but travels now as the captain, a senior statesman of world cricket, acknowledged to have brought dignity to the sport at a time when the game has been tainted with a plethora of controversies.

Even as someone like M.S. Dhoni has opted out of the Test series to take rest, Kumble says, “As a professional you need to cope with the demands (amount of cricket). It is important that you rest appropriately. That’s the key.

“Between matches and between series it is important that you catch up with some rest. It looks glamorous from outside but a cricketer needs to put in hard work. It is not easy to stay away from the family for long periods.”

Kumble, with 608 wickets in 127 Tests, also agrees that, “Taking rest depends on the individuals. I don’t think it makes an impact on the intensity of your performance but then you have to keep injuries at bay and learn to cope with the pressures of international cricket.”

Time to move on

Is that why he sticks to only playing Test cricket? “I was not enjoying ODIs since I was not a regular member. It was difficult to sit out. I thought it was time to move on and stay fit for the Tests.

“In any case I was not playing regularly; the injuries and the team composition made me take the decision. It was slightly before the 2003 World Cup and then I thought I’d give it a try at the 2007 World Cup. Sadly it didn’t work out.”

This is a team that has five players who have led India in Tests at various times. How does Kumble tackle them? “Barring Sachin (Tendulkar), the rest came into the team after me. In any case, there is no senior or junior in this team. I make no exceptions and deal with everyone openly.

“I have played with the seniors in this team right through my career. I don’t have to think twice to talk to someone like Sachin or Rahul or Sourav or Laxman or Sehwag. I just knock on their door and discuss the issue. It’s as easy as that.”

And the new-found trust in youth? “They must play as and when they are ready. It is important to mature as an individual and there is no other way except by performing regularly. If someone has good experience at the domestic level he stands a good chance of succeeding. Indian cricket is in a healthy state. The younger lot is immensely talented and that’s a good sign.”

No curse

Is it a curse to be a senior in Indian cricket? “Not at all. As you get old, it gets tougher, in every walk of life. As you grow, you need to work harder because recovery takes longer. That’s the only hindrance. As long as you perform, age does not matter.”

Captaincy came late to Kumble. He was Tendulkar’s deputy in 1997. But, as he asserts, it came to him ‘naturally’. “I was the voice of the team at times even when I was not the captain. I stood for the team on the players’ issue and the contract issue. Dealing with the media has not been a problem.

“In any case, I don’t give my opinion on every second issue. I have always believed that the game should do all the talking. I have always looked at the larger picture and I am lucky to have got the backing of the Board.”

Kumble says, “I work on getting the players to play really hard and keep fighting. I am sure we would get good results in Tests this season. I am working to create a leadership group. It will be tough in Sri Lanka because of the weather and the batsmen-friendly pitches. We have four players with more than 100 Tests and a fifth closer to that distinction. Then we have Viru at his best. We have the right balance with the middle order close to 30000 runs in Tests.”

Humility has remained Kumble’s greatest asset and for him recognition has come in various forms. “I don’t chase awards and distinction. An award, like the Padma Shri, was a form of recognition which I take immense pride in. It is always nice when the nation honours you. An award is not a motivation for me but playing for the country is.”

Can there be a better candidate for the highest sporting award in the country than this affable cricketer, an icon by himself?

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