'He is just like my elder brother'- Saqlain Mushtaq opens up on how Anil Kumble helped him in overcoming cataract

Amid Coronavirus outbreak, cricketers have become more active on social media. They can be spotted interacting with their fans or having a live session with their teammates. Saqlain Mushtaq, the former spinner has also joined the bandwagon and he was recently involved in a live session with one of the renowned media houses. During the conversation, he revealed how Anil Kumble once helped him in overcoming his vision problem when he was playing for Pakistan.

Saqlain Mushtaq is regarded as one of the legendary spinners in the history books of cricket. He ruled in World cricket with his brilliant spin bowling for a long time. He was the one to introduce ‘Doosra’ in Pakistan cricket and ended up reaping out lots of success on the back of it.

Saqlain Mushtaq recalls the time when Kumble helped him

During the live session, he revealed how Anil Kumble helped him in overcoming his vision problem. The 43-year-old recalled an instance when he went to the former spinner and told him that there were not many good opticians in Pakistan and asked if he could suggest him a better doctor for the same.

The former Pakistan player said that Kumble immediately gave him the contact number of Dr. Bharat Rugani saying that he is a good doctor. Later on, the 43-year-old went to the doctor for the treatment, who revealed that he had cataract and provided him with the lenses. As per him, Anil Kumble is his big brother, who helped in getting touch with that ophthalmologist due to which he could recover from his problem.

“We were in England and I told Anil bhai that there are not many good opticians back home, so I am struggling and if he could suggest some ophthalmologists. So, he suggested that I go to Dr. Bharat Rugani. Even he said that he and [Sourav] Ganguly consult him often. He gave me the [contact] number of the doctor and I visited him in Harley Street (in London).” Saqlain said during the live session with Sportstar.

“The doctor checked my eyes and gave me lenses. I had cataract, the vision power was cylindrical and also the eyes were weak. I had consulted many doctors in Pakistan and none could treat it. So, it was Anil bhai who would help me get in touch with the doctor. It was because of him that I could recover. He is a gem of a person,” the former Pakistan spinner added.

Saqlain Mushtaq also recited that he had great memories with Anil Kumble during the playing days as they used to chat a lot whenever they meet each other. He also added that anyone could walk up to him for suggestions in between the series. And, the 49-year-old used to give the right advice to every player without misguiding anyone and till date he respects, the former Indian spinner a lot.

“Our culture has taught us to respect elders and Anil bhai is just like my elder brother. Whenever we meet, we have good chats. Even during playing days, you could walk up to him and seek suggestions in the middle of a series. He would help you with the necessary tips and would never misguide it. I have a lot of respect for him,” he former Pakistan spinner added.