Anil Kumble was the best captain of my life: RP Singh

RP Singh, the former Indian speedster, lavished praises on skipper Anil Kumble, saying that he understood the psyche of a bowler. The 34-year-old said that Jumbo, as Kumble was popularly known, was his most favourite captain during his playing days. Under the legendary leg-spinner, Singh played only six Tests and picked up 13 wickets with best of 68 for four.

Singh also talked about the difference Kumble and Rahul Dravid’s leadership. The Rae Bareli-born also had words of appreciation for Sourav Ganguly. Singh mentioned that Sourav, who’s the current BCCI president, supported his players where they went through a bit of a rough patch.

Every captain has his own way.: RP Singh

“Anil Kumble was himself a bowler, and so he was the best captain of my life. I played only a few matches under him, but he knew the psyche of the bowler. I said ‘I will bowl in-swing then he would say no continue bowling out-swing and postpone your thoughts’.

“Rahul Dravid would not do that. He was a bowler, and he knew better about frustrating a bowler,” Singh was quoted as saying in India Today.

“Every captain has his own way. Sourav Ganguly gave me the ball and just told me to go and ball. First ball wide, second ball wide but he said it happens with everyone. So, he was the captain who would support and say’ no worries I will make us win’,” he added.

Singh made his debut for India back in 2005 and in the next couple of years, he represented his country across all formats. The left-armer was also one of India’s key performers in the 2007 edition of the T20 World Cup in South Africa, picking up 12 wickets with best of 13 for four.

Back then, he got a chance to ply his trade under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Earlier, Singh stated that he and Dhoni share a healthy camaraderie. Though both ended up having contrasting careers, Singh felt that it didn’t hamper their friendship by any means.

Singh last played international cricket in the tour of England back in 2011. From there, he went off the radar. In 2018, he hung his boots after which he played in the T10 League in Sharjah.