Ganguly Fought for Kumble

Mumbai, DEC 1: Indian former cricket player had made sensational claims. Saurav Ganguly has described how he put pressure on selectors to select Anil Kumble during 2003-04 Australian tour.

Speaking at an Event Former Indian Opener has said that "I will give you the example of Anil Kumble, who was probably the biggest match-winner India has ever produced in the last 20-25 years. I remember attending a selection meeting before the tour of Australia in 2003. I was the captain of the side and I knew, selectors were not very keen on having Anil on that tour".

"I kept on requesting and insisting that he is such a match winner, he is done so much good for Indian cricket. He must be in Australia and the selectors just didn't agree," he added.

"The selectors wanted to pick a left-hand spinner because Australians don't play left-hand spin well, and this went on for a good couple of hours. It was getting late and John Wright came up to me and said Saurav let's finish this and go with what they said and I am sure we will do well."Ganguly added.

"I am not going to sign the selection sheet till Anil is in the side. The selectors got fed up with me and said if I don't play well if the team does not play well and if Kumble does not play well, I will be the first person to go before anyone goes. I said fine, I am ready to take that risk and we will see what happens".Saurav added.

Anil Kumble is former Indian coach and has taken 619 wickets in 132 matches with his best figures of 10/74 against Pakistan.