Former Indian cricket captain and legendary leg-spinner, Anil Kumble, has disclosed the intense pressure surrounding India-Pakistan cricket matches during his playing days. Kumble revealed that the fan expectations were so high that they would tolerate a loss against Kenya but not against Pakistan. He shared these insights during the launch of the memoir “Pitchside” authored by cricket administrator Amrit Mathur in Bengaluru.
Anil Kumble reminisced about the unparalleled excitement and tension that characterized India-Pakistan matches during his cricketing career. He noted that the level of anticipation and hype was so substantial that fans would have accepted a defeat against Kenya more easily than a loss against Pakistan. This sentiment demonstrated the extraordinary significance of these cricket clashes.
The forthcoming 50-over Asia Cup 2023 is poised to witness another epic encounter between India and Pakistan in the group stage, scheduled for September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. If both teams advance to the Super Four stage, another clash awaits them in Colombo. Additionally, the two rivals are set to meet during the league stage of the Men’s ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.
Anil Kumble, who also served as India’s head coach from 2016 to 2017, achieved remarkable fame for his historic 10-wicket haul while conceding 74 runs against Pakistan in a Test match in New Delhi back in 1999. This achievement remains a cherished milestone in his cricketing journey. Across 34 ODIs against Pakistan, Kumble managed to secure 54 wickets.
Reflecting on his performances, Kumble mentioned that while achieving a 10-wicket haul was the aspiration of any bowler, the game of cricket could be unpredictably challenging. He recounted an instance where, in the subsequent Asian Test Championship match against Pakistan in Kolkata, he struggled to take even one wicket. This experience exemplified the ebb and flow of the sport.
The event in Bengaluru that featured Anil Kumble also included the presence of former Indian cricketers VVS Laxman and Syed Kirmani. Kumble’s illustrious 18-year international playing career culminated with him becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, and fourth overall, with a remarkable 619 wickets from 132 matches. In the ODI format, he claimed an impressive 337 wickets from 271 matches.
Kumble’s insights underscore the deeply-rooted emotions and pressures associated with India-Pakistan cricket encounters. His advice to approach these matches as any other game highlights the significance of maintaining composure and a balanced mindset in the face of intense rivalry.
-IANS
