Right time, right decision

Finally, Team India skipper Anil Kumble, one of all time great spinners, has quit the game on the last day of the third Test Match between India and Australia. The Jumbo, as he is lovingly called, announced his retirement from international cricket at the Ferozeshah Kotla Ground, though an unexpected announcement at a time when an important series is mid-way. We must not forget that this is the ground where he took 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999. Not only that. He proved his worth on many occasions and situations. He won matches for the country and single-handedly turned the tide in favour of India on many occasions.

We are no more here to watch India's most successful Test bowler that the country has produced ever. Age, injury and stamina – all are factors that the great Kumble gave a serious thought on before coming to say good bye. For some time, Jumbo looked little worried about his own performance, which is normal in a career spanning 18 long years. And in these years, the 38-year-old leg spinner has captured 619 scalps in 132 Tests to be third in the list of highest wicket-takers after Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. His record in ODIs is less significant. He represented India in 271 ODIs and grabbed 337 wickets and at crisis a good handy batsman as well.

Asked about the response of his team-mates when he informed them of his retirement decision, Kumble said, "The response I got I was proud of it. I have played with lots of players -- Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, the younger lot and of course with captains like Mohd. Azzaruddin. I am proud to have played along with some of the great players."

Though not a big turner of the ball, Kumble defeated and beguiled world’s great batsmen with his flight, change of pace and variations, including deliveries that straighten up at times. He has been a master craftsman all these years. No bowler in history won India more Test matches than Anil Kumble.

A true gentleman, a good human being and above all a great fighter, Kumble contributed immensely in enhancing the standard of Team India in recent years. Coming generation will remember him as a role model to follow. He is the first of the greats to go, Ganguly being the other one due to retire after the Nagpur Test of the current series.

No body can forget what Kumble did in Antigua in 2002. He bandaged his fractured jaw to deliver a stirring spell, the memorable wins in Headingley, Adelaide, Multan and Kingston are some of the examples of how he led India to victory.

In November 2007, Kumble was honoured with captaincy of Team India for the home series against Pakistan. He went on to win the series, the first home triumph against Pakistan in 27 years. He was also India's leading wicket-taker with 20 in the four Tests. He was honoured with Arjuna Award in 1995 and Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1996. From his Test wicket of Allan Lamb in to 619 of Mitchel Johnson, Kumble has travelled long, fruitful years and we proudly remember him for his unprecedented accomplishment.