Anil Kumble.Tribute.

"Kumble was to bowling what Steve Waugh was to batting, not pretty but mighty effective"-BBC 606


Anil Kumble has retired.

In the past 15 years as a devoted fan of the gentlemen's game, Anil Kumble has inspired me the most.

Q.Why ,amongst the tendulkars ,the dravids,the azhars and the gangulys, did this serious looking lad from Bangalore inspire me the most?

A. As amongst all of these talented bunch of greats, it was Anil who was the only legit leader.A fact ,sadly, realized at the end of his career.

I can go on about all his feats and highlights, and believe me I really want to.But I will just mention that sight of him talking to the media after the infamous SGC 2nd test in 2008. It was a moment in history that could have strained India's relationship with Australia forever and even worst, could have bullied us into becoming the scapegoats.

"Only one team is playing in the spirit of the game"-Anil Kumble after the 2nd test

But Anil just sat there; Calm,stern,oozing authority and to be honest he did'nt have to say a word.I just looked at him and knew, it will be all right.

You know the feeling you get when something you have loved and followed your whole life suddenly ends, like the finale of the Sopranos(which was a bit of a let down) or Zizou's final hurrah(which was'nt,fuck you Materazzi);a small part of you just dies.

"As he wiped a tear yesterday, maybe the first tear on a cricket ground, I felt another welling up in a bedroom in another city.

A great competitor, a great cricketer and a great man. And a proud Indian."

Take it away Harsha.

Anil Kumble.Legend.

adios jumbo!!