Kumble's perfect 10 now part of cricketing memorabilia

Two years ago, he became only the second bowler in Test history to take all ten wickets. On Monday, Anil Kumble's feat became part of cricket memorabilia.

BCCI president AC Muthiah, while launching the commemorative edition of Kumble's `perfect ten' feat - ten photographs of all the wickets taken, complete scorecard of the New Delhi Test against Pakistan and Kumble's personal autograph - extolled India's chief strike bowler of the last decade to pass on his skills to the young spinners in the country.

Accepting the first edition of the collector's piece from Kumble, Muthiah said it would "be kept at the BCCI museum which will soon be established in Mumbai."

It was a glittering function which was attended by almost the entire Indian team, besides Board officials and former players. Skipper Sourav Ganguly and star batsman Sachin Tendulkar heaped praise on Kumble both as a person and as a cricketer. Ganguly said Kumble's killer instinct was amazing. "If he takes three wickets, then he usually goes for more in his inimitable style." He described Kumble as a role model for youngsters.

Recalling the events of two years ago, Tendulkar said "We lost the Chennai Test narrowly and somehow wanted to level the series. We knew we had to depend on Kumble. He is a tough character and mentally very strong." Both Ganguly and Tendulkar wished Kumble a speedy recovery and said he was being missed in the team.

Replying suitably, Kumble said the feat would not have been possible but for the support of his teammates. He also thanked his family, the BCCI, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and had a special word of praise for Andrew Leipus, the Indian physio who was treating him in the post surgery period.

Speaking to reporters, Kumble said there would be only 1074 prints of the limited edition - because his figures were ten for 74 - and the price was Rs 5,500 (unframed) and Rs 8,000 (framed). It would be available for sale throughout the world, he added.