Braveheart Kumble weaves a tale of guts

Kumble who was hit on the jaw by a Mervyn Dillon short pitched delivery on Saturday, took a dose of pain killers and with a heavily bandaged jaw, rehearsed a few times in the dressing room and then jumped into action.

As amazed teammates and spectators watched, Kumble, who is due to fly back home for surgery in the next 48 hours, produced dream figures of 14-5-29-1 to force the home team on to the backfoot.

So moved was legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar that he put Kumble’s act of bravery among cricket’s top tales of valour and coach John Wright found it inspiring.

“I knew I had to go back home because of this injury. I wanted to go home with the thought I tried my best,” was the disarming reply of Kumble barely able to open his mouth. “I knew I had to go back home because of this injury. I wanted to go home with the thought I tried my best,” Kumble said.

“I was really nervous for the first time in my life going onto the field as there was a bit of risk but I thought it was worth it,” he said.

“Outside India, I never had a chance to bowl when we had scored 500 plus. I thought this was the best chance for me. I had come to the West Indies with high hopes and expectations. But personally it was disappointing for me. I had my chance here. I had an opportunity to go and bat there, high up in the order but it didnt work out,” said a disappointed Kumble who returned to the eleven in this Test after being dropped for the second and third Tests. “For the first couple of overs, it was okay so I continued. If it was really bad, I would have come off,” said the leggie.

(PTI)

Of courage and determination

This is what Test cricket is all about, representing your nation and performing in the face of adversity. It shows the commitment of the man for himself, for his mates and for his country
—John Wright

I am just amazed. I was surprised to see him walk on to the field. He told me that he wanted to bowl and I said go ahead
—Saurav Ganguly

In the old days they said the boys become men when they tour West Indies. The spirit (of Kumble) is so refreshing and it bodes well for Indian cricket. Indian cricket should be proud and cherish his deeds. He seemed to wear the Indian tri-colour on his chest.
—Sunil Gavaskar

I just can’t believe what Anil bhai has done today.
—Harbhajan Singh

When he saw Sachin (Tendulkar) turn the ball, he decided to go in. After his jaw was strapped, Anil rehearsed a few times in the dressing room. Then he jumped around a bit and went on to the field. The instruction was also clear. Kumble should not open his mouth, even for a leg-before shout.
—Andrew Leipus

I wasn’t surprised at all. In fact, I would have been surprised had he not played. His dedication and commitment to the game and country is like that. I am proud of him.
—Chetana Kumble (Wife)

I just hope he hasn’t done himself much harm by coming out and bowling today.
—David Shepherd

Kumble’s act showed the human side of cricket.
—Ranjan Madugalle