Jumbo gets his due

 

 

Exactly 18 months back, we were sitting at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore and having a chat about his cricket, his personal life, his hobbies...etc.

TSI asked Anil Kumble; “Do you still dream of leading the Indian cricket team?” He smiled and said, “I think that phase is over now. Maybe five or six years back I would have said yes to your question. At this moment I want to concentrate on my game and continue to play for as long as possible. Once I retire, I want to concentrate more on wildlife photography!”

But now destiny has said a resounding yes! Jumbo is leading the Indian team in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan at home. When Sachin Tendulkar said “I won't” sit on the hottest chair in this world, BCCI selection committee was left with few options. First, they thought of passing the baton to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who, having led India to the T20 World Cup, has definitely shown himself to be the man for the job for a long time to come. But history has shown that a tough series like the ones against Pakistan, Australia and South Africa can break the best of men if thrown in unprepared. And Dhoni is far too precious to be risked.

FACTFILE

A tough series like the one ahead can break the best of men if unprepared

Dhoni is far too precious to be risked

Kumble is the toughest lad

Two former captains, Dravid and Tendulkar were not ready to take up the responsibility and India’s most successful test captain Sourav Ganguly too, we hear, was reluctant. The options left were Anil Kumble and V.V.S.Laxman. With the rise of Yuvraj Singh, Laxman isn't even sure of finding a spot in the team and under the circumstances, Kumble, though apparently a surprising choice, practically chose himself. Though 37, he is the toughest lad in the team. This man never shies away from responsibilities. The man himself says, “It’s a great honour. I will take this challenge.” Sure, this leggie who has taken 566 test wickets in his career is ever ready for challenges and the fire in his belly still burns bright. If he gets the right kind of support, the upcoming Test series may throw up some interesting results in favour of India.