Kumble stands tall

Bangalore skipper's captaincy and bowling take his team one step closer to IPL semisAnil Kumble has had a glittering career. He retired from international cricket last season after a tally of 619 wickets in 132 Tests.u00a0It's a massive achievement but the way he has played it feels as if he had a few points to prove. He would have been satisfied with his Test record, but the manner of his farewell would have surely pinched him mid-way through a home series against Australia and poor outing in the last few games to add to it.Well-rested during the long break from the game, Kumble has come to the 2009 IPL fresh and transformed.u00a0Proving them wrongThe 38-year-old has certainly dispelled a lot of notions about his game. One is that there's still cricket left in him at 38. Second, that Test players are good enough for any form of the game. Kumble's impact on Royals Challengers Bangalore has been brilliant. As a bowler, he has been excellent. As captain, after taking over from Kevin Pietersen, he has been truly inspirational.It's a measure of his inspiring leadership that a team written off after a string of poor results at the start, is one win away from sealing a semi-final spot. Facing a must-win situation, he led his team to a thumping win over table-toppers Delhi Daredevils in their penultimate game at the Wanderers yesterday. His team faces a do-or-die final league game against Deccan Chargers. Both teams are on 14 points and the winner will make the semis.Kumble is a true gentleman in world cricket. He's a very creative guy, more of a bowling captain than a batting captain. He's amazing with the younger players, he's amazing with me, the way he treats me. It's a real privilege to work with a captain like that, said Jennings.I don't even have to mention about his bowling. He's a legend in that aspect and to work with him (on the bowling front) has been an eye-opener for me, added the coach.In 13 games, Kumble has taken 15 wickets fourth-highest in the tournament. Kumble has been one of the great servants of the game.u00a0He deserves a better farewell than his retirement from international cricket. He's a couple of wins away from achieving that.