The World Cup severely dented the reputation of many an established player inthe Indian team, with the exception of Kumble.
The 36-year-old leggie has come through several crises in his 17-year-longplaying career. Post-World Cup, his experience and reliable craft make him oneof the pillars around whom India can start its rebuilding process.
There is no Harbhajan Singh to tweak the ball from the other end. No AjitAgarkar to reverse swing when the leather has lost its shine. For Kumble,however, these are but names - like Venkatapathy Raju, Venkatesh Prasad andJavagal Srinath before them.
The quadrennial event in the Caribbean was Kumble's last ODI tournament, butthere could be no denying the fact that he has still a lot to offer in thetraditional version of the game.
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"I feel more relaxed now. There is no problem with focusing. I amconcentrating on the longer version full time," said Kumble who joined theIndia team two days ago for the upcoming two Tests against Bangladesh.
The axing of Harbhajan has placed a huge burden on his ageingshoulders, that of having to shepherd the relatively inexperienced spinnersRamesh Powar and Rajesh Pawar.
But Kumble believed the two had it in them to deliver on the internationalscene.
"Ramesh and Rajesh have done well in the domestic cricket over the lastfive-six years," he said.
"They are a confident lot. They have done well in the limitedopportunities they have got and hope they will do well in future."
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He was also hopeful that Piyush Chawla as a player will blossom with time.
Asked if he missed Harbhajan, he said, "it's not a question of missinghim. He is too good a player to be out of the team for long. He is sure to makea comeback soon".
Kumble was famously accused of displaying "arrogance" by Bangladeshpace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza at the World Cup.
All that the Bangalorean had said was that the Indians might have less timebetween the mega event and the current series. Of course, he expected the teamto reach the knockout stage.
India might have been shocked by Bangladesh and subsequently eliminated fromthe World Cup prematurely, but the 2-0 ODI series win over the hosts has putthem back on track.
The genial leg-spinner was of the opinion that his team needed to be wary ofBangladesh in the two Tests.
"The last time we played, we won convincingly. Hopefully we will keepthe winning momentum," he said.
"I have seen them during the World Cup. They have improved a lot. Werespect them as a team.
"The last Test they played against Australia, they did very well. Theycame close to winning. So we know we have a game in our hands."
The conditions - heat, humidity, and flat tracks - here are not going to beof great help to the bowlers.
Kumble was quick to point out that the climate by itself would provide a testof character.
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"The conditions are very hot and humid. The team that acclimatised firstwill have an upper hand in the Test," he said.
Asked if he expected the wicket to spin, he said, "I hope it will. Theyhave three left arm spinners."
With Kumble, there is always reason to be positive.
PTI
