MUMBAI - Anil Kumble knows his appointment as India test captain is a short-term measure but he hopes he can make it easier for the countrys next generation of cricketers to cement their place in the senior side. The 37-year-old Kumble was named skipper for the three-test series home series against Pakistan beginning later this month. Indias most successful bowler was chosen ahead of one-day and Twenty20 skipper Mahendra Dhoni. Rahul Dravid quit as captain in September.
Looking at the long term, this is definitely short term. But I hope to help the team achieve a smooth transition so that the younger lot can go ahead and move forward, Kumble told Reuters in an interview on Friday. Ill try and do whatever best I can for the team so that we get a lot more consistent. Dhoni, 26, had led a young India side to success at the Twenty20 World Cup but many experts had warned that giving him the test captaincy would be too much, too soon.
The flamboyant wicket-keeper has played just 20 tests. The team has done exceptionally well under him (Dhoni), said Kumble, the third highest test wicket-taker with 566 behind Australian Shane Warne (708) and Sri Lankas Muttiah Muralitharan (702).
The younger lot seem to enjoy each others company. Hes a mature person and has all the qualities (of a captain), thats for sure. The selection committee has been criticised for naming a new captain for just three tests, given that India then have to face a tough test tour of Australia and host South Africa for a test series. But Kumble said the doubters would not affect his focus.
It is definitely a great honour, said Kumble, who retired from one-day cricket after the World Cup in the Caribbean in March.Id like to take one step at a time. To ensure that we do well against Pakistan, and then the rest will follow.
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