Anil Kumble has announced Retirement from International Cricket at then end of the 5th Day’s Play of the 3rd test match between India vs Australia at the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi thus marking the end of an Illustrious career of The Most Successful Leg Spinner of India.
“The decision to retire was very tough,” Kumble, 38, said at a presentation ceremony after the third Test against Australia ended in a draw.
“When you have played the game for 18 years and so competitively at that, it does become difficult.”
The ace leg-spinner said the finger injury that he sustained on the third day of the Test helped him make up his mind.
“This injury helped me take this decision. I had already made the decision Saturday. I knew I would not be 100 percent fit for the fourth Test in Nagpur and I did not want to let the team down.”
Kumble, who finished with 619 wickets from 132 Tests and had already given up one-day cricket, thanked his teammates and family for their support.
The Indian stalwart, given a lap of honour by his teammates, said it would have been a fitting farewell had his side won the third Test.
“Delhi has been very special to me. I thought it would be fitting if we won the game and the series here. Ideally I would have liked to bow out with a win.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting hailed the India skipper.
“On behalf of the Australian team, I would like to congratulate Kumble for his outstanding career. He is a great competitor and one of the greats of the game.”
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hi jambo u rthe most imp player
Kumble will be missed. He’s one of the game’s greats.