Sunday, November 2, 2008

Anil Kumble "The Fighter"


Today I like any other Indian, was shell shocked when Anil Kumble announced his retirement all of a sudden. I was not expecting this thing from Jumbo. But the most incredible thing was that he announced his retirement on the ground where he created History against Pakistan few years back. Besides being the highest wicket taker for India, Jumbo is also a very humble human being, a true fighter, a match winner. He always delivered whenever captain handed bowl to him. For his entire cricketing career he won several matches for India on home turf. Who can forget when he single handily destroyed the whole Pakistani batting line up in Ferozshah Kotla Ground, New Delhi. For most of his career he was considered to be a man who was a match winner only on Indian pitches but he proved his critics wrong by performing exceptionally well in Australia, England and all over the World...

I still remember the game against West Indies when Mervyn Dillon's bouncer hit him on his Jaw. But this man came with bandages on his broken jaw and captured the price wicket of Brian Lara. It was the passion to play for India, to win match for India that kept him on the field even with his Broken Jaw. This is Anil Kumble for you. "Cricket has a way of producing inspiring tales of valour for the country and this ranks at the top," said legendary Sunil Gavaskar after this brave effort by Jumbo. "It was one of the bravest things I've seen on the field of play," said the great Viv Richards.
This man has always been an inspiration for young spinners in India. He was always under the criticism that he doesn't turn the ball, but even then he played 2nd highest number of test matches for India, he proved every critic wrong by becoming the leading test wicket taker for India. He played in the era of Shane Warne & Muttiah Murlitharan. And he was right up there with these two great spinners. All three are different but Kumble played every test match with the hopes and expectations of more then 1 Billion people. He is arguably the best Indian bowler ever. I salute this great cricketer and wish him all the very best for his life ahead..

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