Anil Kumble is a great student of the game, a legend in his own right. Now, he is the coach of the Indian cricket team and a successfull one that that considering his brief stint, till date.
Kumble may have missed out the first ever Test Bangladesh played, way back in 2000, but got the better of them in the four Tests he played against them.
Today, as Kumble gets ready to take on Bangladesh on home territory, but as a coach.
Speaking to the media in Hyderabad, he said, “What we have gone about in the group is to measure our performances, measure our own expectations and not really look at the opposition. That’s really worked well for us so far. I don’t think we need to do anything different against Bangladesh. That’s all we will focus on, irrespective who the opposition is. We like to measure ourselves with what we want to achieve and how we can achieve those goals. As long as we do that and continue to keep winning those moments and performances as a group, I think the results will go our way.”
Kumble further added, “Every game, whether it’s a series of three Tests or five, you have to take every session and every Test as a separate unit and not look at it as a series itself. So it’s very different when you are playing a one-off Test match. Test matches are about showing character and pulling back if you have lost a session or continuing to keep the momentum going if you’ve won a session. And that’s the hallmark of Test cricket.”
He was also cautious of Bangladesh, as they were no longer push overs, in this regard he said, “We like to take every team the same way in terms what they bring to the table. They are a very improved side. They had a good outing in New Zealand although the results are different. We certainly respect the opposition. No matter who the opposition is, we like to measure our performances and treat every game in that fashion rather than look at the opposition. If we can continue to do that then results will come our way. Bangladesh has some quality players, good all-rounders. It’s going to be a real good contest.”
He also threw light on the spinners, he lauded them saying, “They are proven match-winners and do not really bother about conditions. Not just the conditions but also the time was a major factor. The way they were able to build pressure on the opposition and pick up wickets was fantastic. I was extremely pleased with Jadeja’s performance in Chennai, the way he varied his pace, bowled much slower than what he is used to and pick up wickets on a very good surface. People tend to look at the surface and not give too much credit to spinners, especially when spinners perform in India. But at the end of the day, it is the ability of the bowlers to pick up 20 wickets. Also, not to forget Jayant Yadav, who did exceptionally well before he got injured.”
A humble Kumble also thanked everybody who wished him on his 10-wicket feat, which happened 18 years ago.
Thank you for bringing back the memories of that game. One of my most cherished cricketing moment. https://t.co/UplFkpOpJe
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) February 7, 2017
Thank you for all the lovely messages. pic.twitter.com/LOHuLNgmQ8
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) February 7, 2017
