Former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Gautam Gambhir has revealed that he would have given his life for former captain Anil Kumble for the way he backed the opener’s spot in the team.
Gambhir stressed that no matter what, he received immense support and backing from Kumble, and that was enough for him to ‘give his life’ for him. The former India opener also recalled an incident before the start of a Test series against Australia in 2008 when Kumble assured him and teammate Virender Sehwag of their place in the team.
“Sehwag and I were having dinner when Kumble walked in and said that ‘you guys will open throughout the series no matter what. Even if you get eight ducks it doesn’t matter’. I have never heard such words from anyone in my career. So, if I have to give my life for someone, it would be Anil Kumble. Those words are still in my heart,” Gambhir said.
The cricketer-turned-politician had previously said that Kumble was the best captain he had played under. He had further said that had Kumble led the national team for a longer period, the legendary spinner would have broken a lot more records.
Kumble had captained India in 14 Tests after taking over the team in 2007. He led India to three victories, six losses and five draws. He remains the highest wicket-taker for India in Tests (619) and ODIs (337).
Gambhir also felt that with the Decision Review System (DRS) technology, Kumble would have ended his Test career with 900 wickets.
“With DRS technology Kumble would have ended up with 900 wickets and Harbhajan with 700 wickets. They missed lbw decisions on front-foot. Bhajju pa took seven wickets in Cape Town, just imagine. If they would have played on rank-turners opposition would not have been able to make even 100 runs,” he said.
