The Hindu : Sport : It’s been an incredible journey

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Saturday, Dec 08, 2007
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It’s been an incredible journey

There’s a tremendous sense of occasion, writes Anil Kumble

— Photo: K.R. Deepak

BIG GAME FOR IRFAN PATHAN: Kumble says the all-rounder’s personal success is very important for team balance.

It’s all feeling very special now, on the eve of my first Test as skipper in front of my home crowd and the people closest to me — my family and friends. There’s a tremendous sense of occasion, of wanting to hold on to the moment, because this ground is where it all began for me. In fact, I’ve probably spent more time at this ground than at home.

I remember, in the early ’80s, trying to get through the gates of the stadium to watch a Ranji game between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. There was a major rush at the gates and I was finding things tough when someone suddenly said, “he’s a kid, let him through.”

So, to walk on to the field on Saturday as India captain, it’s been an incredible journey.

Awkward situation

Looking ahead to the game itself, things are a bit awkward. Sachin Tendulkar is doubtful at the moment and, while we’re hoping he’ll be fine, we’ll take a call on him and M.S. Dhoni in the morning.

This is being likened to the situation that Pakistan were in ahead of the Eden Test, but, ultimately, they made only one change. In our case, it’s not illness or anything, just the injuries. We are already in a different position, with both our pacemen from that last Test already ruled out.

I’ve always believed that the team should ideally know the playing XI well ahead of the match to avoid suspense and nerves. But that’s not always possible, as in this case. I’m just reiterating it to everyone that they focus on this game and not think of what’s beyond, because we have a series to win here.

Homework done

We’ve done our homework on what to do when we’ve got some wickets and then someone from the lower order stonewalls us. Like Mohammed Sami has been doing. He puts a price on his wicket and never throws it away. Otherwise, we’re not overly concerned about their bowling; we have the batsmen to handle them.

I’m also hoping the weather holds up. It’s not been great in the lead-up but hopefully, we’ll get five clear days of cricket.

There’s also been some talk of this being a new-look wicket but we’ve played a Ranji game here and it was a pretty decent, slow wicket. I don’t really expect anything different.

Putting up the runs

We’re going to look at putting as many runs on board as possible and, given the form he has been in, it will be important that Wasim Jaffer goes on. You need that — when you’re batting really well, you should look to make big scores that count.

It’s also a big game for Irfan Pathan. His success is very important for the team dynamics. It’s really important that you have an all-rounder in the team, going forward, and the team needs him to do well.

For the record, I’m absolutely not feeling the pressure of expectations of playing at home.

The occasion is special for me personally, but we’ll play like we always aim to do — to our strengths and our potential rather than worry about the result.

We’re aiming to end this series on a high. I am confident we’ll do just that.

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