So long Jumbo

And finally curtains on the career of the greatest match winner India ever produced.  There may be many a batsmen with gifted timings but must say that Kumble timed his lost shot to perfection. Cricket scribes will be busy writing eulogies about him but for me some of the memorable kumble moments are:

1)     6 wickets against West Indies in Hero Cup finals. I remember was in 11^th std and our college had given us a half day so we could see the finals and what a bowling display it was

2)     10 in an innings against Pakistan at Kotla

3)     Kumble bowling with a bandaged jaw to get rid of Lara

4)     His maiden and only century against England

5)     The numerous Kumble bridges he built while trying in vain to stop a ball. Well one could fault his technique but not his commitment

6)     His captainship during the last tour of Australia

7)     And the parting shot. If only he would have got a wicket…

There might come a leg spinner who is able to spin the ball more, someone who is a better master of the craft but will there be any with a heart as big as Jumbo?

And TOI did capture a perfect image:

PS: Was reading through all the tributes to Anil Kumble and most of them ended with one word "Dignity". Something not just the next generation of cricketers but everyone else can learn from the great man.