Kumble will be remembered for his commitment: Srikkanth

New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) Chairman of national cricket selection committee Krishnamachari Srikkanth said Anil Kumble would be remembered for his extraordinary commitment in the field.

Kumble, India's Test captain, announced his sudden retirement from international cricket here Sunday, the final day of the third Test match against Australia. The announcement to end 18-year illustrious career came soon after the tea break and caught everyone, including Srikkanth, by surprise.

'It is a very emotional moment for me because today one of India's greatest cricketer has retired. He is a fantastic cricketer and India will miss him every way. He is a role model for all. Cricket could never get such an extraordinarily committed cricketer like him,' Srikkanth said.

'He had a fantastic career and just imagine his commitment. He bowled with a broken jaw (in Antigua, 2002) and here he bowled with 11 stitches on his finger. That is Anil Kumble. And despite all his achievements he has been very humble.'

The former India captain went on to add that the way Kumble conducted himself on and off the field was amazing and will be a role model for all the present and future cricketers.

'It will be very difficult to replace a guy like Kumble. It will be a great loss for Indian cricket, but time moves on and we have to accept it,' he said

Srikkanth also praised Kumble as a captain and said he was a true leader who has led from the front.

'As a captain he was a true ambassador. When India went to Australia, he conducted himself wonderfully in controversial circumstances,' he said.