When Sourav Ganguly picked Anil Kumble keeping his own career on the line

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly is known as one of the most inspirational leaders around the world. He always stood for his players and backed the likes of Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and many others during their initial days at the international circuit. However, there is one particular instance which Ganguly recalled during an event recently.

Ganguly revealed the details of a meeting he had with the selectors ahead of the tour to Australia in the year 2003. Ganguly said that the selectors were not very keen on having Anil Kumble in the touring squad but Ganguly pushed his case as he feels Kumble is one of the biggest match winners for India.

“I will give you the example of Anil Kumble, who was probably the biggest match-winner India has ever produced in the last 20-25 years. I remember attending a selection meeting before the tour of Australia in 2003. I was the captain of the side and I knew, selectors were not very keen on having Anil in that tour,” said Ganguly.

Selectors didn’t agree to Ganguly

“As I entered the selection meeting, I could sense the selectors had made up their mind to leave Anil Kumble out. I kept on requesting and insisting that he is such a match winner, he is done so much good for Indian cricket. He must be in Australia and the selectors just didn’t agree,” said Ganguly at an event.

“The selectors wanted to pick a left-hand spinner because Australians don’t play left-hand spin well, and this went on for a good couple of hours. It was getting late and John Wright came up to me and said Saurav let’s finish this and go with what they said and I am sure we will do well,” he said.

Ganguly said that he told the coach that if Kumble is not going to get picked then he is not going to sign the selection sheet. The selectors finally agreed to Ganguly’s choice of spinners but along with it came a warning that said- if India doesn’t do well, if the skipper fails to perform and most importantly if Kumble ends up with ordinary performance then Ganguly will be the first person to get the boot.

“I told John if you leave Anil, he may not play for India again. I said I am not going to sign the selection sheet till Anil is in the side. The selectors got fed up with me and said if I don’t play well, if the team does not play well and if Kumble does not play well, I will be the first person to go before anyone goes. I said fine, I am ready to take that risk and we will see what happens,” he added.