Kumble backs Dhoni to shine

Anil Kumble believes that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the right man for the captaincy

Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the perfect man to replace him as Test skipper.

The 38-year-old quit the international scene with immediate effect on Sunday after India were held to a draw in the third Test by Australia in New Delhi.

Kumble missed most of that game with a finger injury, having already sat out the second Test with a shoulder problem, and said it would not have been fair to try to take part in the final Test when he was not fully fit.

He will hand on the responsibility to one-day captain Dhoni and reckons the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman will do a fine job.

“The Indian team is doing very well at this time,” he said. “We have a great momentum going and one day we will reach the top.

“I have always given 100 per cent when leading the Indian team, but I thought it was the right time to quit.

“Mahendra Singh will be at the helm and I think I have handed over the responsibility to him at the right time.

“He has done exceptionally well. He is perfectly in position to take over the mantle. We have the right man and we can depend on him.”

Kumble now plans to open a cricket academy after taking some time out with his family, and may also turn his hand to photography.

“There are plans to start an academy, not straight away but in a few months. The groundwork has already started,” he said.

“I take interest in photography, so maybe I will try my hand at that. I will take some time off to take photographs.”