As the tamasha of IPL2 finally ended, the enduring image for me is of one man who has transformed a bunch of also-rans and no-hopers into a combat unit. This man who despite being the highest wicket taker for the country is still not considered in the same league as the greats is the one and only Anil Kumble. Anil showed fierce determination, resolve and passion in restoring the pride of the Bangalore cricket fans by taking his team to the final of IPL-2 and almost winning it. His contribution was maximum. As a captain he lead the team remarkably well on the field. As a bowler, right from the first over of the match when he got Gilly for a duck, he did one of the best 4-over spells in IPL-2. Its unfortunate that his batting isnt suited for this type of cricket or else he would have pockets those runs too for his team. For all you know from now to the next IPL, he would be practising his batting shots, knowing that his batters can let him down even in chasable targets.
For a format of the game which is supposedly young, veterans like Kumble has been phenomenally successful, using their experience to handle situations exceedingly well and turnaround for the team's cause. Thats why the cooldaddy that he is, outplayed the cooldude(msd)& his superkings in the semis. Think for the team reaching the final itself was enough whereas for Kumble, he wanted the cup as well which eluded him by just 6 runs!
We dont know what's in store next year. But this year will be remembered for the Smiling Assassin's transformation into a Roaring Assassin
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