Jumbo's Journey

If cricket fans are asked about whom they think is the biggest trier in Indian cricket then majority of answer will be one cricketer who injured his jaw and went on to get one of the best batsman of his era next day. Anil Kumble has always been a great trier and it is fitting that he got to captain the country at the fading end of his career.

During the last test of the Pakistan series when the pitch was not offering much spin to the bowlers but had uneven bounce, the thinking cricketer bowled seam up and took India to the brink of victory. It was heartening to see this for people who have followed him and find him experimenting and getting success even at this phase of his career. Even in the Boxing Day test he changed his run up and put forward some questions to the batsmen.

The way he puts prize on his wicket is not a new thing to the opposition but the hundred which he scored in Oval was fabulous. Consider the fact that it was the only century an Indian scored in that series will only increase its value. Warne will definitely envy his leg spinning counterpart’s hundred as he himself missed the milestone by a single run some years back against the kiwis.

His captaincy hasn’t been as fabulous as his bowling but he can be given some benefit of doubt because of the opposition he is facing and the resources he is having. But the way he supported his subordinate during the Sydney controversy is really commendable.

When he takes field to play at WACA in his 124th Test match he will be just 1 wicket away from 600 test wickets. It will be personal milestone for him but next week he will want his team to perform and beat everyone’s expectation in such hard times.


My Favorite Five Kumble Moments

1. His 10/74 against Pakistan (Kotla) in 1999
2. His 110 against England (Oval) in 2007
3. His 6/12 against Westindies (Eden Gardens) in 1993
4. His 52 run partnership with Srinath (Chinnaswamy) against Australia in 1996
5. 2002 Antigua Test against West Indies