Kumble tips India to retain T20 title

Former India captain Anil Kumble believes that Test cricket is alive and well, despite the rise in popularity of the game’s shortest format.

“As far as I am concerned Test cricket is the ultimate. I have always looked up to Test players mostly for their skill. I’ve always wanted to play Tests ever since I was a child. Twenty20 cricket is hugely popular now, but I think Test cricket, and in fact all three formats, will survive,” the former India captain said at an even here.

Having steered the Royal Challengers Bangalore into the final of this year’s IPL, Kumble gave credit to the youngsters for their performance.

“When I took charge of the team (from Kevin Pietersen), I told my players ‘let’s go out there and just enjoy the game’. That message helped because we won the next two games,” he said.

ever, felt that they could have performed better against eventual winners the Deccan Chargers in the final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. “I wouldn’t mind swapping the man of the match trophy with the IPL one. We were a just hit away from winning the title, we were so close.” He also said strategy breaks, introduced after The RCB skipper, how every 10 overs, helped the bowling side more than the batting side. “I brought on my regular bowlers and not non regulars immediately after the breaks for getting wickets.” Kumble also tipped India to retain their title at the World T20 Championships, starting in England on June 5, saying they had the most balanced side and the potential to emerge winners again.

“International cricket is such that you are responsible for your own fitness levels. And it’s the same with every team. But then the wickets and pitches are going to be almost similar to South Africa so it won’t be a problem for them to perform.”