After Amit Mishra, the Haryana leg-spinner, had a major role to play in India’s victory at Mohali in the second Test, speculation was rife as to what would be Anil Kumble’s future.

Having been appointed captain for the home series against Ponting’s Australians, it was only expected that Kumble would return to the Test eleven. The question was in place of which player?

Those who have been involved in the game for long and are aware of how things work, had no doubt Kumble would take his rightful place and that too in place of Mishra. Mishra, who is 25 years old is young after all, and can wait for his chances. Also, sitting out would only stoke his hunger for success.

However, Kumble would now have to think seriously about his future. At 38 years of age, he is not young anymore, and his bowling has lost that cutting edge which has helped him become one of the game’s greats.

Being most sensible and practical, Kumble would do well to sign off after the series, which India should win. A series victory would be a feather in his cap and a wonderful way to end what has been a glittering career.

Going out on a winning note is always the dream of a sportsperson, and one can believe Kumble will take the right course of action, instead of postponing his decision. He can also take a leaf out of Sourav Ganguly’s book, though the Kolkata left-hander might even be hoping the powers that be ask him to reconsider his decision to retire! 

One hopes Kumble calls it quits and does so happily and proudly.