Bengaluru, Feb 14 (.) There are few grounds in India that hold as many memories, triumphs, and heartbreaks as the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Former India captain Anil Kumble returned to the Stadium on Friday to mark the venue’s 50th anniversary, reflecting on a career that began there as a young spectator and evolved alongside one of the country’s most storied cricket grounds.
Kumble recalled sneaking past police as a nine-year-old to watch a Ranji Trophy match at the Bengaluru venue. “I came to see Roger Binny score a century. I never thought that one day I would play here, or even wear the Indian cap,” he recalled. In a twist of fate, Kumble’s own Ranji debut also had Binny as captain,a poetic beginning to a career that would define an era of Indian spin.
He spoke of the stadium as a second home, where every lesson in cricket—from the rigours of age-group matches to the intensity of Ranji Trophy contests—was learned. “This is where I learnt to compete, to lead, and to dream. The stands have seen pride, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments that stay with you forever,” he said.
Kumble paid tribute to the legends whose names now adorn the pavilions: Rahul Dravid, Shanta Rangaswamy, Javagal Srinath, and Dr. Thimmapaiah. “These are the people who built Karnataka cricket, and to see their names etched in stone is profoundly moving,” he said.
Reflecting on personal highlights, Kumble recounted leading India against Pakistan in a 2007 Test, winning the Titan Cup in 1996 with Sachin Tendulkar, and lifting the Ranji Trophy as captain in 1995-96. He did not shy away from difficult moments either, recalling the tension of the 1996 World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan, describing the pressure as “like no other I have faced.”
Gratitude flowed throughout his speech. “Behind every spell I bowled, every milestone I reached, my family, teammates, coaches, and support staff stood quietly beside me. Their love and guidance were unwavering,” he said, evoking the quiet sacrifices that often go unseen.
Kumble also narrated the story of naming the two ends of the stadium after himself and Rahul Dravid, a vision he had as KSCA Vice President in 2010. “Every time the commentator says ‘Anil Kumble End’ or ‘Rahul Dravid End,’ it ensures that future generations remember their contributions,” he said.
He then said, “It’s not about whose name is on the stand. It’s about commitment, dedication, and sincerity. If you embrace your craft with these, there are no heights you cannot reach.”
On this day, as Chinnaswamy marks 50 years as an international venue, Anil Kumble’s journey comes full circle, a boy who once sneaked in to watch his heroes, now a legend whose name inspires the next generation of cricketers.
. . .