Jhakas | Sanjay Jha
566 Test wickets, 334 ODI scalps, an incredible historic century at the Oval at 36 years of age, 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan , innumerable victory spells leading to 15 Man of Match awards. If ever Indian cricket had a true-blue unsung hero, it is actually Anil Kumble. 17 years after the Bangalore-based engineering student made his debut for India, literally in the November of his career now, the understated, unassuming and uniformly low-profile "silent assassin" has at last got his fair dues.
Interestingly, he makes his debut as Test skipper against Pakistan in Delhi, the sacrosanct site where his mesmerizing spell had the entire Pakistan batting line-up spellbound, like an illusionist displaying his magical skills he held center-stage, resulting in the unbelievable haul of 10 for 74. It was enchanting stuff, the kind that enter record books with a legendary tale to tell. Some TV camera sound-bytes, and a few profiles in Sunday newspapers later, Anil "Jumbo" Kumble had characteristically faded away into a cloudy oblivion, ensconced in his private world of self-contentment . Not for him the standard media razzmatazz, the cocky swoon, the " I am the best" attitude. He has remained perpetually a simple, modest, down-to-earth man post-stumps, who overnight transforms into a batsman's nemesis with his unflagging control and inexorable penetration, when on field. More than a silent assassin, he was a crouching tiger. Once challenged, he was ruthless in his chase. Even with a bandaged jaw. Continue reading below
I wish the Indian selectors had given him a longer stint; it would have enabled Anil to dig deep, create a strong team composition and bench strength, focus on match strategy, understand opponent tactics and inculcate winning ways through his leadership drive. By just giving him a one-series skipper-ship, it puts him into the unwarranted zone of rigid examination with little elbow room from Day 1. It will be tough, but Jumbo is perceptibly excited at the exacting challenge! MS Dhoni as vice-captain will have the incalculable benefit of reading into the intelligent mind of the crafty bowler with a fighter's streak. In a sense, Kumble is aware that he will be at some point passing the baton to the new prince, and knowing him he will ensure that he makes the transition seamless, with royal finesse and impeccable grace. Because Kumble abhors controversies. And saucy romour-mongering. And playing ego games. Above all, he is a gentleman.
The other day I saw him patiently signing multiple autographs outside CCI for one die-hard fan, a simple balloon-seller perhaps, carrying cricketer's posters. In a sense, none of his meteoric achievements and amazing successes have changed him. Not a street corner named after him in his home-town. Neither will captaincy. He may have bowled 36,628 balls for India, but the man remains the same. Humble yet determined. Quiet yet a lethal weapon. Competitive, but a fine sportsman first. The only thing that has perhaps altered about him is that he now wears contact lenses. And has dispensed with that famous moustache.
The media and some others have often believed that Kumble is far too circumspect, inaccessible and reticent. Maybe, maybe not. But I guess he does not give great soundtracks for just one reason; he lets the ball do the talking.
