It is not every day that you see a legendary cricketer on public transport but due to a strike called by transport unions in Bengaluru, former India great Anil Kumble was seen commuting on a bus from the airport to get home. The 52-year-old, who once coached the Indian team, took to X to share a selfie as he stood in a Vayu Vajra bus run by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) because cabs were not available at the Kempegowda International Airport. Other passengers appeared to not take much notice of him. “BMTC trip back home today from the airport,” Kumble wrote along with the post. BMTC trip back home today from the airport. pic.twitter.com/jUTfHk1HrE — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) September 11, 2023 Shared Monday, the post has received more than 29,000 likes and netizens were impressed by Kumble’s simplicity. “Those good old days in Bangalore,” a user commented. “Best way to travel to the airport is by BMTC!” said another. “So simple and down to earth Kumble Sir,” wrote a third. “People don’t give credit to BMTC buses as it deserves, one of the best in India,” another person posted. Commuters in Bengaluru faced a harrowing time because of the transport strike as many were fleeced by illegal white-board taxis. One of the main demands of airport taxi drivers is that the government should set up an Indira Canteen at the airport and introduce a “one airport one fare” model — one tariff for travelling to and from the airport. The BMTC operated an additional 100 trips to the airport to reduce the impact of the strike. Kumble retired from international cricket in 2008 after representing India in 132 Tests and 271 ODIs. Widely regarded as one of the best leg spin bowlers in international cricket, he took 619 wickets in Tests, which is the highest for an Indian.
