Kumble Honored for Getting 600 Wickets!

The veteran and Indian skipper Anil Kumble was honored today for his great achivement--bagging 600 test wickets, in test cricket.

Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, presented him with a special ball, weighing close to 300 gram and studded with 1,500 of the finest diamonds sourced from Antwerp. Made by Orra Diamonds, it was interspersed with approximately 600 oval rubies.

Pawar started by remembering this time a year ago. "India lost to Sri Lanka on March 23 and I needed to have an urgent meeting with the members of the home ministry to discuss plans to protect the players and their families. I'm happy that we are in a joyous mood today, celebrating India's victories and leaving that bad phase behind."

Shastri saluted Kumble for his champion qualities but said his humility stood out among the legends. He also lauded Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of selectors, for appointing Kumble as India's Test captain at a period of transition in Indian cricket.

The hour long function was attended by Indian and South African team members, members of BCCI, Gerald Majola, Chief Executive of the Cricket South Africa.

The function was arranged almost after two months of completing 600 wickets. The victim was Andrew Symonds, leg before wicket in Perth Test, which India won. He is the first Indian cricketer to achive this land mark.

Kumble said, "I'm overcome by emotion and am at a loss for words and over the 18 years of playing cricket I have seen several changes in the game."

He also said, "Cricket has been seen as a batsman's game but it's important to have a bit of balance between bat and ball. I hope the balance is restored in the future."

He thanked all those who were involved with his development as a cricketer and fondly remembered his first captain Azharuddin, first coach Bishan Singh Bedi, first room mate Ravi Shastri--all of whom were present in the fuction. He added Andrew Leipus to the list for playing a big role in his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury in 2001.

He also said that Shane Warne and Muralitharan are good friends of his. They discuss about spin bowling during their chat. They have high regards for each other.

He thanked Sachin, Dravind, Ganguly, Venkatesh Prasad, and his spin partners from Raju to Harbhajan.

He finished by saying, "with so many tests coming up, I am sure we'll get a chance to meet again soon to celebrate 700 wickets." After a wry smile, he finished by saying "Thank you!"

Congratulations on a wonderful achievement Kumble! We are proud of you! Keep going.... All the best!