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Anil Kumble is India's 30th Test Captain |
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Written by Piyush Joshi
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Saturday, 10 November 2007 |
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In a surprise announcement, the Indian selectors decided to appoint Anil Kumble as the country's 30th Test Captain. Kumble's immediate responsiblity is the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. The 37-year-old Kumble was considered to be a dark horse in the race for captaincy after veteran Sachin Tendulkar declined the offer.
After Sachin Tendulkar declined the Test captaincy it looked like One-Day captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni would be given an extended job. However most selectors felt that Dhoni would have a lot on his plate seeing that he is the side's premier wicketkeeper as well.
Therefore the selectors had approached a senior player in the form of Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian captaincy had fallen vacant after Rahul Dravid announced his surprise resignation.
With the selectors reluctant to blood Dhoni, the mantle fell to the genial Kumble, who had announced his retirement from ODIs after the World Cup earlier this year. Anil Kumble also happens to be the highest Test wicket taker for India with 566 wickets.
Affectionately called Jumbo, Kumble created history by becoming only the second player after Jim Laker to take all 10 wickets in a single Test innings against Pakistan.
Although it may be noted that he does not have many more years left in him, Kumble was nevertheless happy with the honor.
"I am happy that it's come at the fag end of my career. Now, it's given me additional motivation to carry on and perform," a delighted Kumble said. He has already captained the country once in 2002 in an ODI against England.
With the vast experience of 118 tests behind him, Kumble believes he will be able to lead the side in an accomplished manner and smooth the path for his successor. India play Pakistan in three ODIs before heading to Australia for a four-match Test series.
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