Still reeling from the unceremonious exclusion of Rahul Dravid from the ODI squad, Bangalore finally had reason to smile on Thursday night when Anil Kumble was named India's 30th Test captain.
Terming his appointment an honour, Kumble said the first Test against Pakistan will be crucial, and added he is sure of support from all team members.
The ace leg spinner said the series against Pakistan will be challenging and expressed hope of it being good.
The office of the Karnataka State Cricket Association at the Chinnaswamy stadium wore a deserted look after India lost to Pakistan in the Mohali cliffhanger. By the time the Board of Cricket Control for Cricket in India announced Kumble's captaincy on Thursday night, most KSCA members had left.
Suresh Ranganathan, a KSCA regular who has followed Kumble's career closely, said the honour has come too late. According to Ranganathan, Kumble had the potential to be India's captain since day one and should have donned the mantle at least four years ago.
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But he acknowledged that this is no time for regrets and Kumble now has the task of proving himself as captain.
"I am sure that he will do a good job," Suresh added.
Meanwhile, some of Kumble's fans are planning a big celebration at the Anil Kumble circle on Friday. Rajan Shetty said they would try and recreate the grand celebrations of the time when the spinner wrapped the entire Pakistan team. The fans plan to distribute sweets and offer prayers for Kumble's success.
It is indeed a moment of glory for Kumble, who created history in the game against Pakistan by picking all ten wickets. Now he will be captaining India against Pakistan in a Test series. While Bangalore watches with bated breath, Kumble's fans believe that the fighter will emerge victorious in his new role too.
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