Kumble: 'No plans to retire now'

Anil Kumble has made it clear that he has no immediate plans of retiring from international cricket. In an interview to rediff.com, Kumble said that he would continue to play for India as long as he was motivated and keen. He dismissed speculation about his future, saying, "when they say retirement plans, probably people don't want me to play."

Kumble conceded that fitness would play a major role in determining the time of his exit. "I guess I will see how my body feels; I can't pin point anything. You can never say what is in store for your future."

At the same time, Kumble praised Andrew Leipus, the team physiotherapist, and Adrian le Roux, the trainer, for the work they put in with the team. "having Andrew [Leipus] around has also definitely helped, not just the cricketers who just bowl or bat day in and out, but also the younger guys."

He was sympathetic about trainer le Roux's decision to quit team India, while stressing the importance of the work le Roux did. "I'm disappointed; obviously we will miss him. It's a difficult decision for him, I guess. I was reading his reports; he had to take family decisions as well as that of a trainer. We really enjoyed his training methods and are still following that. He has imbibed a fitness culture in the young boys and I am sure it will continue. He has done a great job, although he was here only for a short time."

Kumble looked forward to New Zealand's forthcoming tour of India, having last played for India in the World Cup. "I am really enjoying this break, trying to get back to fitness. I had a good holiday with my family, so it's been good so far. Still, two more months to go before we start the domestic season. I am looking forward to these two months and will take it day by day, follow the routine and see how it goes."