Wasim Akram opines it is time for Anil Kumble to retire, paving the way for MS Dhoni to be appointed India’s Test captain.
Speaking on Tuesday night in Delhi, Akram said Kumble had had his day in the sun, but needed to know when to say goodbye. The legendary paceman said he had all the respect for Kumble's achievements as a leg-spinner and as India captain, but didn't think the 37-year-old had much more cricket left in him.
The Bangalorean has so far featured in 130 Tests for the country, taking 616 wickets at an average of 29.33, the third-highest tally in history, behind fellow spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. Add to that his tally of 337 wickets from 271 ODIs, and it takes him just about 50 shy of 1000 international wickets.
After taking over the reins of the Indian Test side from Rahul Dravid, though, Kumble has taken 50 wickets in 12 Tests, at an average of 36.14, much higher than his overall figures. Kumble's stint has also seen India lose more matches (5) than they have won (3).

The stats, then, point towards Dhoni taking over. He has already led India to major titles in his time as limited-overs skipper - the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, the CB Series in Australia and the Idea Cup in Sri Lanka, which was India's first win in the island nation in 25 years. Dhoni has also changed the nature of his own game, from the hard-hitting batsman to the middle-order mainstay, as evidenced by his Man of the Series-winning performance in the recently-concluded ODI series. Batting for the Ranchi boy, Akram said he had set an example of leading from the front, which even under-fire Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik should try and follow.
So, will Kumble walk into the sunset anytime soon? Akram seems to think so. And in his words, "Dhoni is the man" to replace him.

11:09 AM
Categories: Cricket. Author: SacHu