Alvidaa Anil

Alvidaa Anil

Stylish, flamboyant, honest, sincere, committed, hardworking, elegant, perfect, aggressive… one would lose out on adjectives when it comes to describe the Invincible Anil. It wouldn’t be in excess if I have to say irresponsible comments from ex-cricketers who think criticizing is their birthright and media who always eye for one poor performance to run after the scalp has brought this early end to an illustrious career of Anil Kumble. I must say couple of years of Cricket is still there in him.

When likes of John Traicos whom we have seen playing Cricket even after 40+, it is indeed an early retirement for Anil.

Bespectacled young man when he started, often seen with head bandages, fingers taped but never to opt to sit out for a single match due to injury, a long run-up for a spinner, a leggie with a pacemen’s attitude, dozens of deliveries in his armory, never-say-die attitude, Anil is definitely an inspiration, though difficult to emulate.

A child-like joy when he scored his first century just a year and half ago, a winning partnership with Srinath in the world cup match against Pakistan, the 10-wicket haul in Delhi and several other fighting performances with his bat when the best of the batsmen have walked backed to the pavilion, Anil’s memories is going to be lasting in the Indian Cricket.

Statistics are something that everybody is able to disturb, but statisticians come standstill by his sterling performances with Harbhajan bowling his doosras and half spinners on the other side; it’s like a melody, a symphony, an orchestra well played without any rehearsals.

When he took the running catch to bring the Australia’s first innings to an end, we could see his anger, a message to the media men and the ex-Cricketers “I have lot of Cricket left in me folks” – that was the message.

Dhoni is an automatic choice as a captain and you were never a hindrance to him Anil, but you shouldn’t have come under pressure of critics. You are not the one we know who will bulge under pressure. You could have bowled a googly to come-out of it, Can’t you?

I still remember when he replied to one of the questions after his 500-wicket haul, I have found a lost delivery and its back in my armory – the leg spinner! Never into any controversies, not into politics a Cricketer who only added the sweet of professionalism without spilling the milk.
Unfortunate we are that we can’t see again on the scoreboard – Caught Dravid Bowled Kumble! Indian Cricket doesn’t deserve you.

Salute to you Anil! Alvidaa! Your contribution to Indian Cricket will always be remembered! Now go back and teach the young folks, not the spinning deliveries, but your aggression, your commitment and your will to fight, because, there are several others to teach them how to bowl, but not how to play!