Zeecric Bureau
New Delhi, Nov 02: “My body gave me the answer,” were the words with which Anil Kumble made the formal announcement of his retirement after the Ferozshah Kotla Test. It was a tough decision”, he said. I had decided to retire after the Nagpur Test but the injury forced me to take the decision yesterday.
Paying glowing tributes to his teammates he said, “It was great sharing the dressing room with the likes of Sachin, Ganguly, Dravid and Laxman.”
He also thanked all his captains he had played under right from Azhar to Ganguly to Dravid.
Kumble also that he will be present at Nagpur to cheer India.
“I will be there at Nagpur to wish Dada for his retirement and Laxman for his hundredth Test.”
On a parting note he also thanked his family and well wishers.
“I would like to thank my wife, children and of course the millions of fans for their support throughout the career.”
Kumble took over the captaincy in November 2007 after Rahul Dravid relinquished the post. He led India to victory in the home series against Pakistan, the first home triumph against the traditional rivals in 27 years.
A gentleman cricketer, Kumble played a key role in keeping emotions in check and being the true ambassador during India`s ill-tempered tour of Australia.
A fighter to the core, Kumble was often criticised for not being a great turner of the ball early in his career but the Karnataka stalwart kept silencing his critics with heroic performances right through his career.
After former captain Sourav Ganguly announced that the current series against Australia will be his last, Kumble thus becomes to second senior player to hang his boots.
Meanwhile, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting too hailed Anil Kumble as a "great competitor" and one who has served the country for a long time.
"I would like to congratulate Anil for his long and successful career. He is a great competitor and every single player of my team, who has played against him, is proud of the cricketer," Ponting said after the third Test, which ended in a draw at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground here.
"I wish he will enjoy his time after the game," Ponting added.
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