I always had faith in my team: Kumble

Relieved to have squared the three-match series against Sri Lanka, Anil Kumble said he always had faith in the team.

Relieved to have squared the three-match series against Sri Lanka, India captain Anil Kumble said he always had faith in the team even after the side was thumped in the first Test.

“I always had faith in my team. It’s a great comeback and I’m specially happy because everyone contributed to the cause,” an elated Kumble said after India beat Sri Lanka by 170 runs in the second Test to level the three-match series 1-1.

Kumble felt the openers did a splendid job for the side, while spinner Harbhajan Singh and pacer Ishant Sharma also delivered when it mattered most.

Story continues below this ad

“Veeru (Sehwag) and (Gautam) Gambhir gave us fantastic starts, which was crucial. Later Harbhajan and Ishant bowled well to guide us to victory,” he said.

The Indian captain, however, still insisted that the team needed to address certain issues in the next match.

“There are a few grey areas, which we need to address. We have to ensure that if put in those conditions, we can come out on a better note,” he said.

Kumble also felt there was need to look into certain areas of the referral system once the series is over.

Story continues below this ad

“It’s still on trial and I think it needs good look-in.

Both the captains would sit with the umpires, match referee and officials at the end of the tour to discuss those issues,” he said.

His counterpart Mahela Jayawardene heaped praise on the visitors and said, “It was a really good comeback by India. It was a crucial match for them and they did well.