IIPM: The Genial Giant

Isaw Anil for the first time at a coaching camp that the Karnataka State Cricket Association used to conduct. That’s almost more than two decades back. To be honest, the very first thing that came into my mind when I saw Anil was that maybe “this boy

is gifted with the ultimate talent, and definitely he is going to be a gem for Team India." He was the ‘fast bowler’ from the beginning. When he bowls, he never flights the ball. Instead, he bowls it fast. There is more zip than there is spin. The thing which made me observe Anil in the coaching camp was that his style of bowling was quite similar to mine. He was and is very good at line and length, and a very accurate bowler from day one.

If Anil has become a legendary cricketer, it is just because of his determination, hard work and ultimate patience. Though I could not keep a perfect track of how Anil as a bowler moved further (during the time, I was bed-ridden for five years), but on and off, I watched him all along. I can say he still bowled in the same style and manner that he used to bowl before. He must also have been told to change his bowling action, as he doesn’t spin much, but having a tremendous grip on the ball, he bowls fast. Anil’s greatest strength is his never-say-die attitude. He never ever quits. He never gives up the challenge. If Anil cannot do it today he will think hard about how to make it possible tomorrow.

According to me Anil is the world’s best spinner. There would be no second word about it. He has proved it often. As a bowler Anil has won more matches than any other bowler for India. India has won every match where Anil performed well. The self confidence and control he has is a lesson for every one.....Continue