Anil "Jumbo" Kumble's Final Parting Shot

As the third test between India and Australia headed towards a conclusive draw, there came a decision from the Indian captain that the Indian camp had absolutely no inkling of !

The decision of retirement from Anil Kumble, who is perhaps the best bowler that Indian cricket has seen in the last two decades has created a vaccum that will always exist.

From being the only Indian bowler to have crossed the milestone of 600 wickets, to have equalled Jim Laker's record of ten wickets; Kumble has created, equalled and surpassed many records in his wake although it is so surprising to know that no one as such thought much about him when he debuted in 1990.

He is widely respected not only among his team mates but also among his rivals and probably in the years to come, his name would be nothing short of a legend.

When Rahul Dravid announced his decision to quit the captaincy of the Indian cricket team, the mantle of test captaincy was offered to Kumble and there were a lot of speculations regarding his abilities.

But when India won the first test series under his captaincy against Pakistan, all speculations were put to rest. One thing that can be said about Kumble is that he is a cool customer and is used to silencing his critics by his actions rather than words.

India's "Jumbo" is a gritty player and does his best in any condition and in any circumstance. Every cricket fan, when I say this, I am sure remembers the time when he bowled against West Indies with a plaster swathing his face or now, when he bowled against Australia in the third test match of the Border-Gavaskar trophy with ten stitches in his hand!

A lot more can be said about him but whatever be said, it will be mere words and far less in comparison to his invaluable contribution not only to the sport in India but also to the world equally!