Anil Kumble retires from Test cricket

The surprise announcement means that Kumble will not be playing the fourth and final Test in Nagpur where India will have a new Test captain with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the current vice-captain, expected to be handed the reins.

The 38-year-old leg spinner, who has captured 619 scalps in 132 Tests to be third in the list of highest wicket-takers after Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, injured his little finger during the course of the third Test and was doubtful for the last Test in Nagpur.

“Delhi has been special for me and I thought it fitting to finish my career here,” he said amid loud applause from the Kotla crowd.

Replying to critics’ call of his retirement, Kumble had said that he would decide when to quit.

He said long years of international cricket has taken a toll and the injury on the little finger of his left hand in the third Test helped him take the decision.

“I was a very tough decision particularly after playing competitive cricket for the last 18 years. But the body gave the decision. This injury probably helped me take the decision,” he said.

“It was yesterday I decided to retire. I won’t be 100 per cent fit in Nagpur and it is no use going in Nagpur without 100 per cent fit, so I thought it is my time to go,” Kumble added.

Asked about the response of his teammates when he informed them of his retirement decision, Kumble said, “The response I got I was proud of it. I have played with lots of players — Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, the younger lot and of course with captains like Mohd. Azzaruddin. I am proud to have played along with some of the great players.”

Kumble said he would want to go to Nagpur for the final Test to wish Sourav Ganguly on his last Test and Laxman on his 100th Test.

“I may not be going with the team tomorrow. But I would want to be in dressing room in Nagpur and see that India win the series.”

Regarded as one of the best spinners in the world, Kumble took over the captaincy in November 2007 after Rahul Dravid relinquished the post. He led India to victory in the home series against Pakistan, the first home triumph against the traditional rivals in 27 years.

A gentleman cricketer, Kumble played a key role in keeping emotions in check and being the true ambassador during India’s ill-tempered tour of Australia.

A fighter to the core, Kumble was often criticised for not being a great turner of the ball early in his career but the Karnataka stalwart kept silencing his critics with heroic performances right through his career.

Besides his Test exploits, Kumble had an impressive record in the shorter version of the game with 337 wickets in 271 matches, the highest number of scalps by an Indian bowler till date.