News : Indian Premier League

Indian cricket’s backbone has called it a day. Legspinner Anil Kumble, undoubtedly India’s most effective match-winner, personified grit and courage for 18 long years. On Sunday, it is here that he decided to quit, something he may have never visualized when he stepped out for the toss on the first day, that chunk of self-belief was taken out, leaving a void in the team which might never be filled.

His final Test at the Kotla may not have evoked the fond memories Anil Kumble has of Delhi. It is here that he conjured up magical moments that led India to many famous victories in the past. It is here he pulled off the Perfect Ten. Kumble, with a fractured finger and 11 stitches, was not a happy picture to view. He was more like a tragic figure who knew his end was fast approaching but wanted to exit with his pride and dignity intact.

Watching Kumble, in the shelter of a mellow sun, trying his best to find that one final spell of inspiration, which would have turned the clock back, has not been a happy experience. It was obvious that his body was no longer responding the way he would have wanted it to, and he had also lost those subtle variations that made him the match-winner he was.

The 38-year-old is test cricket’s third-highest test wickettaker with 619 wickets, who has played 132 tests, trailing only Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and Australia’s retired Shane Warne.

This is the beginning of the end of Indian cricket’s most successful era. After the crowds had left, the dressing room erupted in cheers and champagne was passed around. Through the raucous cheers, Rahul Dravid, long-time friend and Karnataka teammate, emerged alone on the balcony, sipping his drink in silence, staring at the empty Kotla.

Kumble does not need to prove anything to anyone. He has done more than enough for us to respect him for his cricket and the dignity with which he handled the highs and lows of a truly great career.