He has been bowling for India continuously for 18 years. To sustain and to be successful for a long time in a team, one must cope with different kind of pressures. The generation
after Anil also has to cope up with the pressure in both forms of the game – the traditional test format and modern limited over format. The two formats demand different modus operandi while bowling. Adapting to the two forms of the game is not easy and the fact that Anil has done it perfectly proves he is one of greatest players India has ever produced.
Wherever he played, whatever may be the condition, he played for Team India. He is a complete team person. Imagine a bowler coming in with his jaw strapped, or 11 stitches to his non-bowling hand. That’s determination personified. I once told him that bowling from a short run-up would put heavy pressure on his shoulder. He changed his bowling style and adopted his own run up in later stages. He is a great learner of the game. There are two types of players – one who quits the game finding it boring; another, who continues to play just for the sake of playing. But Anil stands apart, as mentioned before – he never entered the field unless he thought he was 100 per cent fit to play. I respect his decision to say 'Good bye' to international cricket. I do not think a player who played for the country even when he was injured and led the team towards victory will take a wrong decision.
Coming to the other part, Anil and his gentle approach to everything – no matter whether it is professional or
personal – always caught my attention. I have neither seen him losing patience nor ever speaking aloud. There were times where I advised him when he was down. He lent his ears attentively to me and took in passionately whatever I said. Though I am not active in cricket, he is still in touch with me; he occasionally comes to my home for dinner and, of course, he invites our family over as well. He is a true gentleman. Anil is a great ambassador of cricket and the nation. He is a great inspiration and a good friend, whose smiling face never fades. None can fill the vacuum he leaves behind. Gems like Anil come but once in eons. Team India was lucky to have had the services of this rare gentle gem. ...Continue
after Anil also has to cope up with the pressure in both forms of the game – the traditional test format and modern limited over format. The two formats demand different modus operandi while bowling. Adapting to the two forms of the game is not easy and the fact that Anil has done it perfectly proves he is one of greatest players India has ever produced.Wherever he played, whatever may be the condition, he played for Team India. He is a complete team person. Imagine a bowler coming in with his jaw strapped, or 11 stitches to his non-bowling hand. That’s determination personified. I once told him that bowling from a short run-up would put heavy pressure on his shoulder. He changed his bowling style and adopted his own run up in later stages. He is a great learner of the game. There are two types of players – one who quits the game finding it boring; another, who continues to play just for the sake of playing. But Anil stands apart, as mentioned before – he never entered the field unless he thought he was 100 per cent fit to play. I respect his decision to say 'Good bye' to international cricket. I do not think a player who played for the country even when he was injured and led the team towards victory will take a wrong decision.
Coming to the other part, Anil and his gentle approach to everything – no matter whether it is professional or
personal – always caught my attention. I have neither seen him losing patience nor ever speaking aloud. There were times where I advised him when he was down. He lent his ears attentively to me and took in passionately whatever I said. Though I am not active in cricket, he is still in touch with me; he occasionally comes to my home for dinner and, of course, he invites our family over as well. He is a true gentleman. Anil is a great ambassador of cricket and the nation. He is a great inspiration and a good friend, whose smiling face never fades. None can fill the vacuum he leaves behind. Gems like Anil come but once in eons. Team India was lucky to have had the services of this rare gentle gem. ...Continue