Kumble eyes World Cup return

Anil Kumble said on Thursday he had not lost hope of playing in next year's World Cup in the West Indies since he had plenty of cricket left in him. Kumble has not played one-day cricket since the Afro-Asia Cup in August 2005.

"It'll be a great honour to serve the team in the World Cup," he said. "I am ready to play for the country any time and in any form of game. It is for the selectors and team management to decide."

Kumble, India's highest wicket-taker in both forms of the game with 510 scalps in 106 Tests and 329 in 264 ODIs, said he remained in India's scheme of things for the World Cup. After a successful Test series at home against England where he emerged the highest wicket-taker, Kumble said he had no plans to quit the game.

"There are no thoughts of retirement now as I am still passionate about the game. I'll continue to play as long as I'm fit and selected to represent India. There is lot more cricket left in me. I only hope I fulfill the expectations of my fans by taking more wickets than others.," he said after being rewarded by the state government for his 500 wickets.

H.D Kumaraswamy, the Karnataka chief minister, said the state government would allocate land to the spinner for setting up a sports academy in Bangalore to coach youngsters.

"It's a proud occasion for the 60 million people of Karnataka to honour Kumble who has emerged India's greatest bowler," he said.

Kumble said the focus at the academy would be on fitness and consistency.