A true fighter in all sense bids farewell

Sachin Tendulkar put a comforting arm around Anil Kumble even as the Indian captain began his last walk to the pavilion at Ferozshah Kotla to share a few privileged moments with one of India’s greatest champions. The two icons of Indian cricket have shared the dressing room for 19-enduring years during their beautiful cricketing journey. Tendulkar and Kumble not only have the highest regard for each other, but they also share a special bond between them. “I had a long chat with Anil this morning when he told me about his decision to call it a day. For me, he’s a truly special person and I told him ‘we’ll miss you badly’. As we started walking back to the pavilion, I wished him all the luck for life beyond the boundary,’’ Tendulkar told press. “Anil has had a tremendous career during which he conducted himself remarkably well on and off the field. He’s been a thorough gentleman and a champion cricketer. It was truly special to have him in the side and play alongside him.’’ Throwing more light on the leg spinner’s art at the bowling crease, Tendulkar said, “Anil is without doubt India’s greatest match-winner. It’s something that he’s proved over the years. Along the way he has displayed terrific strength of mind and character. He had his share of injuries but he overcame all adversities like a true champion. All these years, he has set goals for himself and went about achieving them in his own quiet, dignified way.”

Teammates give their skipper a warm send off

VVS Laxman dedicated his 59 at Kotla to skipper Anil Kumble, Here he is seen waving his wrist to dressing room, indicating the spin power of legendary spinner.
Jumbo is carried back by MS Dhoni back to dressing room after final test at Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi
Anil Kumble with wife chetna and two kids.
Jumbo waives to crowd as he walks out for the last time in test match cricket.

Anil Kumble’s sudden and unexpected decision to quit may have come as a huge surprise to most of us but somehow India’s new Test captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, knew that the veteran would not hang a day longer once he believed his time was up. About six weeks back, long before rumours of the so-called VRS scheme came to life, Dhoni told this scribe, “I’m not sure about other guys, but I know for sure that Kumble will be the first to take the call by himself.’’ Indeed, when Sourav Ganguly announced his retirement on the eve of the first Test in Bangalore, one thought that perhaps Dhoni’s prediction was off the mark. However, by a quirk of fate Kumble’s hand injury played a part in his unexpected early departure ahead of Ganguly, thereby becoming the first among the senior pros to walk into the sunset.