Kumble's new responsibility

Kumble has an abiding affection for Test cricket and no doubt will have even a greater spring in his step now he has retired from the arduous limited-overs game. Indeed, this is the first time India has had different captains for the one-day and Test match cricket.

It is to be hoped that Kumble, and Ponting and Jayawardene for that matter, will use their position of privilege and speak loudly and often about the joys of Test match cricket and what the pure game means to the world's elite players.

Maybe, it will be in the role of a captain that Kumble’s significant role in the collective triumph of the team will be finally recognised.

Kumble enjoys probably the most exalted place in the dressing room along with Tendulkar. There is very little about this game that he has not seen or experienced. His voice commands attention and respect, from seniors and juniors alike. His body of work is so spectacular that it brooks no nonsense.