Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid were match-winners for the Indian team in Test cricket and one-day internationals. The two also coached the national team. Former player Mohammad Kaif, who was renowned for his fielding, recalled the contributions of Dravid and Kumble in his career.
“When I was dropped from Team India, only two players called me. I was contacted by Rahul Dravid. He told me to keep working hard to return to the team. Anil Kumble also spoke with me, and he urged me to continue working on my fielding. He assured me of a recall to the national squad,” Mohammad Kaif said during the PBKS vs LSG match in IPL 2025.
“I, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh have discussed Kumble’s contributions to our careers. Thank you, Anil bhai, for helping me,” he added.
Kaif also highlighted the demanding nature of the great spinner. “Anil Kumble was tough on us when it comes to fielding. If there was a missed field or we conceded a single, he didn’t spare us. Yuvraj and I were scolded by him whenever we didn’t field as per his expectations. There were times when we had to inform him that there was no way to stop a single in a particular situation,” he concluded.