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India's choice of Anil Kumble as captain for the Tests against Pakistan is a good one.
No player more deserves to captain the side than Kumble. It will be a fitting finale for the ace leg-spinner who has given yeoman service to the team.
It could be argued that Kumble is now 37 and there is not much of cricket left in him.
But considering the current situation of the Indian team a stopgap captain is ideal.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni will eventually take over as India captain in the long-term.
However, an experienced player as captain is the need of the hour at this point, particularly against Pakistan.
Kumble has only captained India once in a one-day match. But those with long memories will recall that he did an excellent job in that match.
His field placings were excellent as was his choice of bowlers. He also showed aggressive intent which is much needed in Indian cricket.
The Indian selectors must be commended for once for thinking of the betterment of the team. They may face some flak if Kumble does not come off.
Age does not really matter if a player is fit and raring to go. Some of the best captains in the world have been at their peak in their late thirties.
One of the best examples of an older player leading the side is Australia's Bobby Simpson. In Simpson's case, he was brought out of the blue to lead an Australian side hit by the Kerry Packer cricket circus.
Simpson had not played the game for a few seasons but his fitness was beyond question. He was one of the best slip fielders of his time and a batsman who had a penchant for big scores.
Simpson did not let the Australian selectors down. Not only did he lead his side to a victory against the touring Indian side but he also shone with the bat. He had two centuries to his name in the series, both at crucial times.
Another example is that of Mike Brearley, considered by many as the best England captain ever.
Brearley may not have contributed much with the bat but he showed astuteness as a leader and took England to victory in the famous 'Botham's Ashes' in 1981.
Brearley's handling of the mercurial Ian Botham has become legendary.
His faith in England's players, particularly paceman Bob Willis, to deliver the goods has been well documented in history.
Kumble has one major advantage when he takes over as captain - he is well respected by all the players. The question of ego will not arise as Kumble has been playing alongside the Indian superstars for over a long time.
Dhoni, on the other hand, may have struggled to hold the team - the 'superstars' - together as his career is still in its infancy.
One of the greatest attributes of Kumble is that he gives his all when playing for his country. He sets the highest standards in whatever he does and expects others to follow suit.
India is in dire need of an aggressive captain. Former captain Rahul Dravid was good but he was fairly defensive in his approach.
This was amply illustrated during India's tour of England this year. India had the third Test in the bag, but refused to enforce the follow-on citing his tired bowlers as a reason.
That let England off the hook and eventually India won the series 1-0 when they could make it 2-0.
Even Sachin Tendulkar, who refused the captaincy, was not an aggressive leader during his previous stints as captain.
India must get out the mental block of not taking full advantage of a situation. The team likes to sit back after making the initial strike.
They should learn from the Australians how to demolish the opposition completely.
Kumble could be the right man to provide the spark. When he bowls, he hates being hit. Hopefully, he will hate it if his team gets hit too and will do something about it.
