Injury forces Kumble's hand

India skipper Anil Kumble brought forward his retirement from Test cricket due to a finger injury sustained in the field during the drawn third Test.

Kumble, who sat out the second Test against Australia in Mohali with a shoulder injury, missed much of the third match in Delhi due to the problem.

And the 38-year-old revealed in the post-match presentation that although retirement had been on his mind for a while, the injury had forced his hand.

“The body gave me the decision,” he said. “This injury helped me make the decision. I knew I wouldn’t be 100 per cent for the next Test and I didn’t want to let the team down.

“I’d already decided to leave after the series anyway but this injury made it happen sooner.”

India captain Anil Kumble's finger injury means the leg-spinner's Test wicket tally will remain at 619

Buy this photo

Asked if his team-mates had been surprised by the announcement, Kumble replied: “Yes, they were, but the response I got makes me proud to have shared the dressing room with such great players.

“It has been a great journey and I would like to thank all the supporters who have come here.

“Delhi has always been a special place for me and it is fitting to finish here.

“I’ll now be able to spend more time with my wife and kids.”

Kumble insisted his decision was not influenced by criticism of his recent performances for India both in this series and against Sri Lanka.

"Criticism is part and parcel for any sportsman,” he said. “I haven’t taken this decision based on people saying I should or should not play.

“This criticism started 18 years ago when people said I could not play two Test matches for India. Looking back, I’ve done pretty well. I always had a strong belief in my abilities.

"There are different phases when you play as long as I did. It was tough for me in the early part of my career especially with people raising questions about my ability, my fitness, my form and the effectiveness of my bowling.

Kumble made his Test debut in 1990 on the tour of England

Buy this photo

"I had to go through that at the end of my career as well.

“I said three or four months ago I would make the call based on what my body tells me. At this point in time, I don't think I can go through the grind of playing Test cricket.”

A shoulder injury threatened to end Kumble’s career in 2000 and he revealed the period after that were one of the most satisfying.

"I think I did exceptionally well to play eight years after the shoulder surgery and to have bowled so many overs and so many wickets,” he continued.

"So yes, the second phase was more satisfying because we had a lot more victories not just in India but also abroad.

"The Australia series in 2004, the Pakistan series after that and the series in the West Indies were all a challenge and to come out triumphant in those series is something special. To be a part of the team was even more special.

"It hasn't gone my way in the last five or six matches, but as a team we have shown a lot of resilience.

“I can proudly say I have given 100% right through my career. Ultimately that's what matters because this is a game and you cannot always guarantee results.”

The veteran confirmed he would play in the Indian Premier League for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, with whom he has a three-year contract.

"The Indian Premier League is a contractual obligation and I go ahead and do that,” he added.