Bangalore(IANS) : Veteran spinner Anil Kumble, named captain of the Indian cricket team for the three-Test series against Pakistan, said Friday he had to wait a long time for the honour and responsibility.
“I had to wait for a long time. But I think it’s better late than never. I am looking forward to the challenge,” Kumble, the highest wicket taker in India and the third in the world, told reporters here.
“It’s good to be shown faith and given the responsibility. I am sure I will get all the support from all my team-mates,” he said.
Kumble said he was not surprised over his choice as captain as his name was doing the rounds.
He succeeds fellow cricketer from Karnataka Rahul Dravid who stepped down ahead of Pakistan’s India tour.
Kumble has been brought in to lead the team after Sachin Tendulkar declined to be the skipper, though ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was widely tipped as front-runner for the post.
Kumble said the first Test match against Pakistan would be critical. “I will take one step at a time,” he added.
Kumble’s appointment was announced at Mohali Thursday where India lost to Pakistan in the second ODI.
Indian cricket board joint secretary M.P. Pandove made the announcement. He did not name any vice-captain for the team.