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Rediff.com  » News » I can't become Rhodes: Kumble

I can't become Rhodes: Kumble

Source: PTI
February 24, 2007 17:40 IST
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Anil Kumble has said that the World Cup would probably be his last one-day tournament and that would be an added incentive for him to do well at cricket's showpiece event in the Caribbean from March 13.

Kumble also defended himself against criticism of his fielding ability, saying he could not suddenly become a Jonty Rhodes.

"It will probably be the last one day series for me and it will be challenging. I hope I will be able to play a much bigger role this time," Kumble said.

"The World Cup is a tournament everyone looks up to. The last World Cup was good for India, we played really well as a team. We have a very good chance of winning the World Cup."

The 36-year old Bangalorean has played in 17 World Cup matches with 28 wickets to his name so far. He is also India's leading wicket-taker in both forms of the game, with 334 scalps in ODIS and 547 in Tests.

Kumble was irked by questions about his current form.

"It is unfair to judge performance spread over three matches on good batting surfaces.

"You cannot always get 3-4 wickets per match. The main purpose is to restrict runs. I have the experience and hence am not worried," Kumble told 'CNN-IBN'.

The veteran spinner didn't think that fielding is a weak area for him or the rest of the Indian team.

"You can only do what you can as a fielder. We are all safe on the field. I'm not the most athletic.

"I have been like that ever since I started. I can't change suddenly and become a Jonty Rhodes.

"I always put in a hundred percent. As a unit we have worked hard and we have fielded well."

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