Anil Kumble bids adieu to ODIs

India's most successful bowler in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test cricket, Anil Kumble today formally bid adieu to the shorter version of the game.

The ace leg-spinner announced his retirement at a press conference in Bengaluru, Bangalore this evening, saying that the time has come to give way to the younger players.

Announcing that he wanted to hang his boots on a higher note, which could not happen as India crashed out of the World Cup in the very first round, Kumble said he would be available for Test matches.

"This World Cup we had a good chance but unfortunately it did not go our way. It's time for me to end and pass the mantle to young players," he said.

Disclosing that he wanted to retire from ODIs at the end of the last World Cup in South Africa, the 37-year-old veteran said, "It has been a one long journey that started in 1990. Today, I formally announce my retirement from one-day cricket".

Having made his international debut in 1990, the Karnataka bowler represented India in 271 ODIs, taking 337. His last one-dayer was against Bermuda in the World Cup in which he claimed three wickets.

During his 17 years at the highest level, Kumble, popular as 'Jumbo' among his team-mates, achieved many milestones. The most significant record of his career was his 10-wicket haul in a Test innings against Pakistan in New Delhi.

His best bowling figure is 6 wickets for 12 runs against the West Indies at Calcutta.

His performance in ODI cricket peaked in 1996, the year in which the World Cup was held in the Sub-Continent, when he took 61 ODI wickets at an average of 20.24 and an economy rate of 4.06.

Highlights of his international career:

* Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1996

* Among the 16 cricketers shortlisted for the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the 20th Century in 2002

* Arjuna Award winner in 1995

* Padma Shri awardee in 2005

ODI record:

Bowling-- Matches: 271, wickets: 337, average: 30.89, economy rate: 4.30, best bowling: 6/12, five-wicket haul: two.

Batting: Matches: 271, innings: 136, runs: 938, average: 10.53. (ANI)

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