Does it really matter ?

Anil Kumble got to 500 wickets and was probably the only one who had nothing to do with India's dismal underachievement in the recently concluded series against England. Apart from grassing a catch at gully he did nothing wrong. Even Flintoff went to the extent of saying that Jumbo was a "tricky batsman to get rid of". He was always at the batsmen, as is his wont, giving about one run per over. They tried everything to unsettle him. each batsman had a different approach but none seemed to work well. He took 26 overs to bowl a loose delivery a rank full toss to James Anderson but made up by bamboozling him soon after with a googly.

He was the best player on show for the Indians, and he has been absolutely the best for quite some time now. He got to 500 wickets, the second fastest, after the freakish Muralitharan. And his getting to 500 wickets was less of an event than most star birthdays. That is how it has been throughout his career. "Lion Hearted" is the way to describe his bowling. To add to that he was also the third highest scorer in this series after Dravid and Jaffer.

One of the most endearing sights in cricket for me, is watching Kumble start his run up by twirling the ball in his hand and unfalteringly execute his bowling. Yes, it does seem like he is executing a plan every time he bowls. He has a plan for every over, it is like he has an agenda for each over. Amazing the way he executes his plan unerringly and tenaciously. Persistency is a very vital part of his game and that is very conspicuous.

Even in the more recently concluded West Indies he was way ahead of all the bowlers on both sides. His hunger to well for his country is really gargantuan. Another good show by Jumbo.

Here's to the Greatest Match Winner with the ball, that India has ever produced. Keep going, Jumbo. With his current tally at 533 and the kinda of form he is is, 600 is not too far. Keep going,you Legend!! And Thank you for all the proud moments you have given us.