IND vs BAN | Haven’t had a chance to get together like this, says Anil Kumble
As Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh reunited at the Eden Gardens, Kumble noted that they haven’t had the privilege to do so since their playing days. The Indian cricket legends appeared on a special programme during the lunch break on the opening day of the pink Test.
Back at one of India’s most iconic sporting venues for the first-ever day-night Test match, the legends relived some of the most famous moments at the venue, including the 1993 Hero Cup final versus West Indies and the 2001 Test versus Australia.
"We have not had a chance to sit like this since our playing days. It is a special day and there could not have been a better venue for this historic game," Kumble told PTI.
It was Kumble’s spell of six for 12 which sealed the win over the Windies, while Laxman and Rahul Dravid produced a match-winning 376-run stand as India followed on against Australia before Harbhajan and Tendulkar came up with stellar bowling performances.
"The game changed so quickly because of that hat-trick. The way we won the game ushered in a new phase for the Indian team. Bhajji was sensational, got Ricky Ponting out so many times and Laxman and Dravid partnership did wonders for the confidence of the dressing room," Tendulkar said.
The electric atmosphere of the 60,000-plus fans at the Eden Gardens took Harbhajan back to his playing days.
"The atmosphere here takes me back to 15 years ago. Test cricket was different back then. It is a special feeling and I feel so much love every time I come here. Hats off to Ganguly for doing this. Even if I play under 100 captains, he will always be my captain," Bhajji said.
As far as the actual match was concerned, both Laxman and Tendulkar predicted more help for the seamers in the evening session, although Bangladesh was already reeling at 73 for six by lunchtime.
"Earlier on there was not much for the pacers, the ball was not swinging much but as the lacquer went off the ball, there was swing and off the pitch movement which gives less time to the batsman to adjust to. I feel the lateral movement will increase in the evening," Tendulkar added.
