Ten-in-one Kumble

Anil Kumble8217;s probability defying 10-wicket haul at Delhi8217;s Ferozeshah Kotla ground did more than elevate a deserving legspinner directly 8212; and his enthralled nation, as indeed the entire cricket-loving fraternity the world over, vicariously 8212; into another orbit. His thumbprint on the history books restored the waning magic to a sport mired in political oneupmanship and murky betting scandals. Indeed, on a chilly and foggy Sunday, as the series ended in a draw, with delirious crowds dancing bhangra8217; in the Indian bowler8217;s well-deserved honour, it was the game itself that was being celebrated. Yet, nothing could have been a more striking and eloquent political statement on the subcontinent8217;s behalf. It was a fitting answer to those who had tried their damnedest to deny the cricket-loving people of both countries their long-cherished dream 8212; a resumption of Test-level cricketing relations severed 12 years ago. Vested interests had tried to politicise cricket. Even to communalise it. But the beloved game hadasserted itself and the bowling feat had made it well-nigh impossible for the watching countries to see the series as anything else. It was indeed a glorious irony that the feat was performed on the very same Ferozeshah Kotla pitch that peddlers of a vicious jingoism had chosen to vandalise in their vain attempt to stall the series.

The achievement would, of course, have be-en outstandingly brilliant even without this background. Indian cricket has now acquired a third inspiring trophy in the shape of statistics that is so much a part of this particular game. Kumble8217;s 10-wicket haul in an innings ranks right there with Sunil Gavaskar8217;s first 10,000 Test runs and 34 centuries and Kapil Dev8217;s highest Test wicket tally. Coming a full 43 years after Jim Laker8217;s precedent, it is unlikely to be repeated in the foreseeable future. The accomplishment is the greater for the fact that a few, including Kumble8217;s admirers, would have till this weekend regarded him as its improbable author. His has been an unexpected,and therefore all the more welcome, bonus for the cricket-loving country accustomed by now to look for wonders only from Sachin Tendulkar8217;s willow. The bespectacled Kumble, with his unassuming boy-next-door manner, has not even been blessed with action of the kind that has made other leg-spinners from Abdul Qadir to Shane Warne entertainers in their own right.

But by the dint of sheer application and intelligence, Kumble has over the years chipped away at batsmen confident of playing him like a medium pacer. Yet, of late even the powers that be in Indian cricket lent an ear to charges that all of the Smiling Assassin8217;s secrets had been decoded 8212; and last year he suffered the ignominy of being dropped from the India XI. Put it down to intense introspection or gritty persistence coupled with an ever-watchful eye for opportunity and innovation, but the leggie8217;s day out on Sunday, with mesmerising flippers and bewildering bounce, will be relived by cricket faithfuls for decades to come.