The Living Legend has made a graceful retirement. Anil Kumble will be remembered as one of the giants of Indian cricket & probably the back bone of the team.

He was regarded as one of the greatest spinners of all time, the 38 year old Kumble brought down the curtains on his glowing career. Remarkably as captain of Indian team, Jumbo (as he was called due to his huge feet and his spinning speed like a jumbo Jet) called retirement silencing his critics.

Kumble: The great spinning wizard is a perfect, dedicated and real sportsmanship cricketer. For all those people who commented on his commitment, he proved it by playing with the injured finger. Thanks to his great belief “the fighting and undying spirit” (remembering the match in West Indies in 2002 where he bowled with his broken jaw and got the wicket of Brain Lara is just an example and there are many more), without which he wouldn’t have performed to this level. Another spectacular moment when he scored 10 wickets in the test innings.

Not only the Indian team but all the millions of world cricket fans will miss him and salute him with great honor for his service to Indian cricket.

He never had success going to his head. He was a cool and very dignified person. He has never uttered any nonsense and was never into any controversies in both personal & professional front. A perfect gentleman in true sense. He will remain one of the most lovable cricketers of the Indian team.

NOW THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION – IS IT TIME FOR OTHERS TO GRACEFULLY RETIRE?

In my opinion its right time for stalwarts like Dravid, Ganguly & Tendulkar to exit & pave ways for young cricketing talents. It will however be difficult to fill the vacuum. To step on their shoes, it takes extra ordinary effort courage & determination as players like them are special & borne gifted with such natural talent.

The timely retirement of Kumble echoed his self belief that its injury & not criticism that forced the decision. By over 18 years, He has raised the bar of the team by integrity discipline & true fighting spirit.

Shouldn’t Gangulay & Dravid need to keep their own respect & retire themselves before selectors & media to retire them? Now it’s high time for Senior Players to follow Kumble as this is a selection game which cannot be played on past history. I assume it’s only in India where we see flabby sportsperson who do not retire but forced to. They are literally removed from the team after much pressure & humiliation from selectors & Media.

To salvage their pride it is prudent on their part to retire from International cricket & inspire young generation players to lead the charge.

Dada was shown a way, Kumble taken his departure now its dravid who respectfully should retire,

Off the lot, only Sourav is seen fighting in open and others gulping their pride. We only have to wait & see what future lies. These players are great and their substitutes have to prove themselves worthy of their chance.

Probably Kumble’s retirement will make the path easy for senior stalwarts to call it a day. You can’t be young forever. Injuries & Age factor also are a major reasons for retirement.


Finally we all would like to congratulate here for the “Cricket World Great Statesman” in the way he has performed during these years, the way he committed his entire life for the service of cricket world and his attitude in and off the field is unimaginable.

Hats off to a never tiring warrior of Indian cricket. Bravo Jumbo!!! We will always remember you as a true fighter & a role model for the coming generations.

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