Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Anil Kumble hasn't put a foot wrong since he took over as captain of the side during the 2009 Indian Premier League.
Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Anil Kumble hasn't put a foot wrong since he took over as captain of the side during the 2009 Indian Premier League.
He did everything right in the final against Deccan Chargers too, leading from the front with a magical bowling performance.
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But it was not to be his day as his team suffered a heartbreaking six-run loss at the Wanderers Stadium yesterday.
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The only solace for the veteran leg-spinner was being named the man-of-the-match for his four-wicket haul at the cost of 16 runs. "Any cricket game you lose, it hurts. We were just one hit away from the win.
"We needed a partnership and that is where we faltered," he added. Kumble however was proud of the way his team fought back in the tournament.
"Nobody gave us a chance of playing the final. I would like to thank each member of our team.
"Personally, it was a good, for the team it was brilliant. It would have been nice to win the final," said Kumble.
The former India skipper enjoyed the challenge of captaincy after being handed over the reigns after Kevin Pietersen left midway for England duty. "It (captaincy) gave me a new challenge and added a new dimension to my game."
The way he has bowled, Kumble has turned back the clock to his glory days in international cricket. The ball with which got Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist in the first over was a beauty.
"I am still trying to get the hook off my throat," joked Gilchrist as he spoke in praise of the enticing flighted delivery that Kumble outfoxed him with. "He bowled beautifully and outfoxed me," admitted Gilchrist.
It may not have been a perfect ending but Kumble has done enough to be proud of his showing in this Twenty20 event.
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