Haven’t seen a greater cricketer: Sachin

“It’s truly an honour and privilege to have played in the same era,” said Sachin Tendulkar, who has shared the dressing room with Kumble for 18 of the 19 years he has played cricket. “He will remain an inspiration for the next generation. To become another Anil Kumble one will have to work really, really hard,” he said.

“I have not come across a greater cricketer, who is good so dedicated to his work,” he added.

Rahul Dravid, who had given up captaincy before Kumble took over, and has played with him for Karnataka, described the leg-spinner as the country’s greatest cricketer. “He is an extraordinary man with an extraordinary career. It’s been a privilege to play with him,” he said. “It was emotional for all of us but it’s a great time to celebrate the farewell of one of India’s greatest cricketers,” he added.

Taken by surprise

Even the Australian team were taken by surprise by his call. Ricky Ponting said he had thought the Indian Test captain would continue till the home series against England.

“Just after tea, Aleem Dar told me that Anil was going to retire. I was surprised. I mean, he had that finger injury but England is arriving in a couple of weeks and I thought that would be his last series,” Ponting told reporters.

He was effusive in his praise for the Indian spinner. “He has been a great opponent for Australia and everyone in my team enjoyed the way he played the game. He is one of the modern-day greats of the game, not just for Indian cricket but world cricket,” said the Australian, before adding: “I wish he enjoys his time after the game.”

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell, who has been one of the loudest voices asking for Kumble’s ouster as captain, felt it would be hard to replace him. “It will be very difficult for somebody to step into his shoes. He is a cricketer who never compromised his dignity and always played with determination,” he said.

Kapil Dev described Kumble as a true gentleman. “Anil Kumble is a true fighter, always had this never-say-die attitude and is thoroughly a true gentleman,” Kapil said.

Former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri felt the timing of Kumble’s retirement was just perfect, but added that the champion bowler would be missed. “Kumble was a real, out-and-out professional. It is definitely a sad day for Indian cricket. You won’t realise the impact of his retirement now but when you won’t hear his name after a few days, you will feel the void,” he said.

Former skipper S Venkataraghavan was also of the view that Kumble timed his retirement to perfection. “Kumble is the greatest spinner India has ever produced. He is such a great sportsman that he is hanging his boots without waiting for the management’s call,” he said.