Kumble would have been finest captain: Bedi

Legendary spinner Bishen Singh Bedi [ Images ] feels record-equalling leg-spinner Anil Kumble [ Images ] would have made one of the finest captains in Indian cricket.

• Congratulate Anil Kumble

"It is not just me, Indian coach John Wright [ Images ] himself has said that Kumble would have been the best captain, because he is such a humble and outstanding student of the game," Bedi said while praising the Karnataka [ Images ] bowler for equalling Kapil Dev's [ Images ] tally of 434 wickets for the most Test scalps by an Indian.

The former left arm spinner said Kumble's humility despite his great achievements made him a "truly outstanding champion".

"It is tremendous, and a great achievement. With Kumble, it has been a combination of perseverance and performance", Bedi told PTI.

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"He is highly intellectual and analytical, and above all humble and down to earth on and off the field. He is not the one to regret but carry on with his job.

"Never once did he betray his emotions on the field. And he still retains the humility which I saw in him when he first came on the scene."

Bedi, who was the leading Indian wicket-taker with 266 scalps till Kapil Dev went past him in 1986-87, praised Kumble for achieving the landmark with the limitations he had.

"He is not a spinner in the real sense of the word. But he sticks to his job and bowls within his limitations. One should remember that you don't need to spin a yard to take a wicket.

"And he has proved his detractors wrong, it is there for you to see, with his determination and perseverance."