Kumble, after being named Test captain, said:

•“It is a great honour to captain the Indian cricket team. Every cricketer in India dreams of captaining the team. It is a really great motivation for me personally and I am looking forward to the job. It is a high-pressure job and it is a challenge. Pakistan is a tough side.”

•“I think I came very close to becoming the captain when I was vice-captain and there was a change of guard when Sachin (Tendulkar) gave up the captaincy. I never thought about it and went about playing my game and ensuring that I contributed to the team.”

•“It should be all right. I have played with everyone and the respect is mutual. I have got all support from my teammates and am waiting to be in the dressing room.”