Sachin threatened my place in the side: Kumble

Mumbai, Nov 13 (IANS) Indian spin legend Anil Kumble Wednesday marvelled at Sachin Tendulkar‘s skills with the ball saying the batting wizard was also a high quality bowler.

Kumble, delivering the second Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi Memorial Lecture, heaped praise on his long-time teammate.

“I played 122 Tests alongside Sachin, I never threatened his place as a batsman but he threatened mine as a bowler. He was a natural with leg spin,” said India’s highest wicket-taker with 619 Test wickets and 337 ODI scalps.

Contrary to many former greats, the former India captain said Sachin is retiring at the right time.

“When he turned 37, many said Sachin has overstayed. He answered with a double century in ODIs,” Kumble said of the master blaster’s 200 at Gwalior in 2010.

Talking further about Sachin’s staggering career, Kumble said: “Sachin spans three generations of cricketers. Fans love the end-product but there were hours of hard work behind Sachin’s straight drives. It was a privilege to play alongside him.”

Sachin attended the lecture on the eve of his farewell Test and was sitting alongside India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Besides the Indian squad, the visiting West Indies contingent was also invited for the event.

Saba Ali Khan, daughter of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, was present on the occasion.

The first Pataudi Lecture was given by Sunil Gavaskar.