Kumble starts new innings as commentator

NEW DELHI - Former India cricket skipper Anil Kumble, like his team mate Sourav Ganguly, will start a new innings as a commentator and will make his debut with the Twenty20 World Cup.

Both Kumble and Ganguly will be part of ESPN STAR Sports commentary team as expert analysts for the tournament.

Kumble said: I have always wanted to contribute to the game of cricket whether on or off the field. My association with ESPN STAR Sports poses an interesting challenge for me as I have never tried serious analysis before. I am looking forward to this unique opportunity with its mouth-watering prospect of rubbing shoulders with so many greats from the game of cricket.

“The T20 format does not leave much of a breathing space for both the player as well as the viewer as the match situation changes really fast. This fast format will surely open up many facets and nuances for the TV expert which I am sure will prove to be an enjoyable experience.

R.C. Venkateish, managing director of ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd, said Anil is one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time. He has recently hung up his boots but the wealth of experience in handling all the great batsmen of the last two decades will surely come in handy when he is behind the mike. His understanding of match situations as well as inputs on bowling psychology will give a definitive edge to the illustrious roster of experts for the tournament.

Besides Ganguly and Kumble, the panel will also have Wasim Akram, Sanjay Manjrekar, Alan Wilkins, Harsha Bhogle, Nasser Hussain, David Lloyd, Ian Chappell, Simon Doull, Kepler Wessels, Ian Bishop, Ranil Abeynaike and Athar Ali Khan.