Anil Kumble, the revered former Indian leg-spinner and captain, has offered a revealing glimpse into the fervent cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan. He disclosed that during his playing days, the expectations and fervor surrounding India-Pakistan matches were so intense that fans would tolerate losses to Kenya, but defeats against Pakistan were unacceptable.
As the anticipation builds for the 50-over Asia Cup 2023, set to kick off on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, cricket enthusiasts are preparing for yet another riveting encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. Should both teams advance to the Super Four stage, their paths are destined to cross once again, this time in Colombo.
Further intensifying the rivalry, India and Pakistan are poised to lock horns in the league stage of the Men’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.
Speaking at the launch of “Pitchside,” a memoir penned by esteemed cricket administrator Amrit Mathur, Kumble shared insights into the pressure-packed environment that characterized matches between the two nations. “In our times, the word was ‘lose even to Kenya but not to Pakistan’. There was pressure and expectation on the players. That’s how the matches between India and Pakistan are being played, and the key is to treat it as just another match,” Kumble stated during the event held in Bengaluru.
Kumble, who also served as India’s head coach from 2016 to 2017, remains an indelible figure in cricket history, particularly for his historic 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in a Test match in New Delhi in 1999. This achievement stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and contribution to the sport. Across 34 ODIs against Pakistan, Kumble exhibited his prowess by claiming 54 wickets.
Reflecting on his illustrious cricketing journey, Kumble shed light on the unpredictability of the game. He shared his experiences, stating, “I did not go onto the field thinking of a 10-wicket haul, though that is the dream of any bowler. However, in the next Test match against Pakistan, the Asian Test Championship at Kolkata, I was struggling to take even one wicket. That is the game of cricket for you,” highlighting the dynamic nature of the sport.
The event was graced by the presence of former Indian cricketers, including VVS Laxman and Syed Kirmani, both of whom have left their own indelible marks on the cricketing world.
Kumble’s remarkable international playing career spanned 18 years, culminating in a legacy as India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests and the fourth-highest overall, with an impressive 619 wickets from 132 matches. In the ODI format, he showcased his remarkable skills by securing 337 wickets from 271 matches.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming clashes between India and Pakistan, Kumble’s insights serve as a reminder of the electric atmosphere that surrounds these encounters and the lasting impact they have on the sport’s history.
Advertisement
-IANS
Advertisement
