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Chittagong, May 16: His partners may come and
go, but Anil Kumble goes on forever. The World Cup severely
dented the reputation of many an established player in the
Indian team, but with the exception of Kumble. The 35-year-old
leggie has come through several crises in his 17-year-long
playing career. Post-World Cup, his experience and reliable
craft make him one of the pillars around whom India can start
its rebuilding process. There is no Harbhajan Singh to tweak the
ball from the other end. Nor Ajit Agarkar to reverse swing when
the leather has lost its shine. For Kumble, however, these are
but names - like Venkatapathy Raju, Venkatesh Prasad and Javagal
Srinath before them.
The quadrennial
event in the Caribbean was Kumble's last ODI tournament, but
there could be no denying the fact that he has still a lot to
offer in the traditional version of the game. "I feel more
relaxed now. There is no problem with focusing. I am
concentrating on the longer version full time," said Kumble who
joined the India team two days ago for the upcoming two Tests
against Bangladesh.
India might have been shocked by Bangladesh and subsequently
eliminated from the World Cup prematurely, but the 2-0 ODI
series win over the hosts has put them back on track. The genial
leg-spinner was of the opinion that his team needed to be wary
of Bangladesh in the two Tests. "The last time we played, we won
convincingly. Hopefully we will keep the winning momentum,"
Kumble said.
"I have seen them during the World Cup. They have improved a
lot. We respect them as a team. "The last Test they played
against Australia, they did very well. They came close to
winning. So we know we have a game in our hands." The conditions
- heat, humidity, and flat tracks - here are not going to be of
great help to the bowlers. Kumble was quick to point out that
the climate by itself would provide a test of character. Asked
if he expected the wicket to spin, he said, "I hope it will.
They have three left arm spinners." With Kumble, there is always
reason to be positive. (Agencies)
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