7 Things We’ve Learned about Anil Kumble
December 13, 2007 by Dinsa Sachan
Filed under Tennis
Eat Cricket, Drink Cricket, Sleep Cricket
Anil Kumble was known to us as a humble, shy folk from Bangalore, who couldn’t even step over an ant.
But this series has allowed us to get some interesting scoop on him.
* Right-headed. Likes to think of the big picture and over the long-term. Keeps reminding players to set goals and not sweat the small stuff, like pitch conditions, weather, etc.
* Takes calculated risks. Or maybe it’s better to say “doesn’t” take many risks. Delayed declaring the second innings in the third match to ensure a series win, even if that decision threatened to kill the match itself.
*Intuititive. Called Ganguly in to bowl at a crucial time during the first match. Some laughed, some cursed him, but Ganguly went away with two wickets. Same goes for Laxman. Oh yes, Laxman took a wicket.
*Shares a great rapport with the players. That you could easily make out by observing them on-field.
*Likes to have his way. Was under tremendous pressure to play Yuvraj, but kept him out for the first couple of tests. (I like this about him, btw)
*Is losing his “spark”. No surprise there. He is ageing. Gets tired quickly. And appears to lack energy toward the end of his spells.
Did I miss anything?
You forgot to mention his ‘lantern jaw’.:)
Yeah right, Ott.
(i wrote this in my sleep)
Fair enough, Dinnie! He has shown us he isn’t a rabbit, for the selectors or for the opposition.
Din,
dont agree with the last point loosing the spark. I would add one, he can sledge too. Poor Yousuf was unsettled and rattled that he whinned about it in TOI and also got out.
Plus he was demoted down the order in the 2nd innings of the Test……
Yeah, Soul. I really like that about him. We can have him for BG trophy, too.
Sam. Maybe losing spark was not the perfect phrase, but it was merely a reflection on his physical attributes. He gets tired easily…
he has already started well…he wont be affected by ‘mind games’ oz (with their press in support) plays…he is experienced and tough cricketer to be affected by that…this will ensure at least that he wold keep his and his teams focus right on the job at hand…this is very important coz you can easily be sucked into it…
For me sledging Yousuf was a master piece……