Kumble bids adieu to one-dayers on bitter note

Bangalore, Mar 30 (UNI) Bringing down curtains on an illustrious yet chequered career, spanning 17 years, ace leggie Anil Kumble, the leading wicket taker for India in both forms of cricket, today announced his retirement from one day cricket on a bitter note.

''I am disappointed on three counts -- the team had to leave West Indies prematurely, my announcement comes when the team suffered a debacle and my frequent sidelining from the ODIs since the last four years,'' he told a a crowded press conference at the Karnataka State Cricket Association office here.

''I would have liked to end my one day career on a high note, but it did not happen...it is not possible to have a fairy tale ending every time,'' Kumble, who had taken 337 wickets in 271 ODIs, reasoned.

To a question, the spinner, who had scripted many a victories for the country, said, ''I had considered quitting ODIs four years back when there were no opportunities coming forth.'' Though the 36-year-old veteran had declared to fellow mates his intention to retire before the team left for India from Port of Spain after Team India's ignominous exit from the World Cup in the opening round itself, Kumble formally announced the decision only today. He had already said the current World Cup, his fourth appearance in the showpiece event, would be his last.

Kumble, however, would continue to be available for the country for tests. He had claimed 547 victims in 113 tests.

''I still have some cricket left in me ... I would continue to play for the country in Test cricket.'' Asked whether his shoulder injury was one of the reasons for his frequent sitting out of ODIs, he said ''of course it was a recurring problem, but I am very much fit after the shoulder surgery.'' (Eds: Here pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI