This gentleman loves challenges

By Vijay Lokapally

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 20. This will be a fight very different from some of his past battles. When he marks his run up and sets his field, Anil Kumble would attract the attention of a large number of anxious fans and critics. How would he fare on his comeback? Will he spearhead the Indian attack with the same incisive skills? Will he deliver? The doubts do not concern his calibre, but his fitness, his ability to withstand the stress of international cricket.

To bowl in club competition is one thing. To do the same in an international match requires prowess of an enhanced level and it is this challenge that the genial Karnataka leg- spinner is looking forward to.

His conquests have been spread far and wide in international cricket. He commands respect from the likes of Mark Waugh, Brian Lara, Saeed Anwar, Mike Atherton...He has a great rapport with Shane Warne, as they trade their wisdom and share the mystique of their bowling in the best spirit one can imagine. Kumble stands tall as a rare cricketer who has played the game of cricket as it ought to be even in the fiercely commercial atmosphere of the present generation. Remember, he is one of those rare breed of cricketers who were never involved in any fracas on or off the field - no dissent, no sledging and in short, no controversy.

Dark days

When he suffered the shoulder injury, the extent of damage initially did not look too serious. Gradually it dawned on Kumble that his injury was very bad and his concern grew when his comeback got delayed. As he went through various tests and kept postponing his return to the cricket field, frustration and desperation slowly began to creep in. Those were really dark days.

``There were days when I was very depressed. There were thoughts that I may never come back to the cricket field. Those were really dark days but thankfully they are over,''said a much- relieved Kumble.

``Obviously it's a great boost to be back at the international level. To perform in South Africa is the motivation for me at present and I'm indeed looking forward. I'll have to take things from there,'' was a matter-of-fact response from Kumble, who is all set to join the Indian attack on his third visit to South Africa.

India's best bet

He may not be at his best. It will be silly to expect Kumble to simply slice through the opposition. He is far more comfortable on home turf no doubt, but has the reputation to raise his potential overseas. He may not have done it consistently by his standards in the past but he remains India's best bet to rattle the opposition.

``We've a good combination of youth and experience. Unfortunately some players have suffered injuries. The attack is certainly well balanced,'' he observed.

On India's strength, spin, Kumble believed ``spin puts pressure on the South Africans even though I must confess they're not bad players of spin. They showed it in India last year by winning both the Tests. The pitches may not be really helpful to spinners and we must realise the fact that we'll have to work very hard in South Africa,'' said Kumble.

``I've always liked challenges. I know the comeback won't be easy. For me, it's like starting my second innings. I'll have to be patient,'' he added.

Kumble was also expecting to strike a good rhythm with Harbhajan Singh. ``It'll be good to have Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh) at the other end. He's such a wonderful bowler. I don't think people have been fair to him. We shouldn't put such pressure on him. He's handled his comeback very well and we must support him more. I thought he bowled well in Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. It's not easy to deliver all the time. I think this'll be a crucial series not just for Bhajji but for all of us.''

On the long lay off from cricket, Kumble had mixed views. It was tough and he paid tribute to his family. ``This is where the family came in to support me. My wife (Chetana) was largely responsible for my comeback. She gave lot of emotional support. There were times when I was itching to get back and she kept telling me I had to be patient. The lay off from cricket allowed me to spend time with the family. And then I had other things to do. Attend to my software company work and look after the sports promotion company that I have set up.''

A polished and humble man that he is, Kumble not only remembered the help from people who made lot of difference as far as his recovery was concerned but was keen to acknowledge it on record. ``My yoga guru Omkar; gym instructor Gajadev; physio Ramakant; Dr. (H.P.C.) Khincha and the support I got in South Africa from Dr. Mark Ferguson and physio Debbie. Last but not the least, Andrew Leipus worked very hard for my return. I am indebted to all these people and all my fans and well-wishers.''

Interestingly, Kumble was yet to bowl in a Test under Sourav Ganguly's captaincy even though he has played in a few one-day internationals. And understandably he was excited. ``I and Sourav get along very well. I've played so much with him. We've been very close. During the county circuit, we came closer. It'll be nice to bowl under his captaincy again''.

The road ahead was thorny and demanding and Kumble had a plea on behalf of himself and the team. ``I would request people to be patient. I know the expectations will be high. I'll try my best, and the team too will work hard but we need support. The team has backed me fully and I know cricket fans will also back me fully.''

On a scale of ten, Kumble said he would place himself at eight. ``It's actually difficult for me to say exactly how I would perform. I would try my best I assure you. I'm quite confident of getting my rhythm right.''

What sort of dismissal would please him on his return? ``To tell you the truth, any kind of dismissal, any kind. It would be great to grab a wicket in my first over.'' That will be a nice thought for Kumble as he approaches his comeback moment. Indian cricket will look up to this quick leg-spinner, who will do well to silence some disgruntled critics, especially the arm-chair types.

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