Anil Kumble is sporting a grin broader than usual these days. And though his celebrations have never been muted, they have been exaggerated here in the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) second season. The leg-spinner is enjoying his time out in the middle, and he is making no attempts to hide it.

“I come into the games with a mindset of having to bowl just four overs. And that I am playing only in this format (Twenty20) is the reason why I am enjoying my stint this season,” says Kumble. “Last year, it wasn’t the case as I hadn’t retired from cricket. I was thinking about other things, which clearly affected my performance,” he adds.

Free from any such burdens this time, Kumble, who retired from international cricket in November 2008, has been a revelation. He’s taken 10 wickets in eight matches and has been one of the outstanding performers for the Bangalore team. Hardly a surprise, then, that when Kevin Pietersen left to join the England team, it was the 38-year-old who was asked to lead the side. And he delivered instantly, with Bangalore coming up with an inspired show to beat Kings XI Punjab. “It’s nice to be leading a side again, this one is special because you are now sharing the dressing room with players you played against. I love challenges and it’s nice feeling and a great start,” says Kumble.

The enthusiasm that he brings along is infectious; no wonder the team that had lost three matches in a row previously seems more eager to win. He leads by example and a performing skipper has made the difference for RCB.

... contd.