Kumble honoured for completing 600 Test wickets

The best part of Anil Kumble's speech, when he was honoured by the Indian board in a memorable function in Chennai, came right at the end. "With so many Tests coming up, I'm sure we'll get a chance to meet again soon to celebrate 700 wickets". A wry smile was followed by a gentle "Thank you" as he left the stage to a rousing applause.

More than two months after he dismissed Andrew Symonds in Perth to become the first Indian bowler to reach 600 Tests wickets, Kumble was honoured by the BCCI in a grand function that included the who's who of Indian cricket.

"I'm overcome by emotion and am at a loss for words," Kumble said, "and over the 18 years of playing cricket I've seen several changes in the game." He thanked all those who were involved with his development as a cricketer and fondly remembered his first captain [Mohammad Azharuddin], first coach [Bishan Bedi] and first room-mate [Ravi Shastri] - all of whom were present. He also took the moment to remember Andrew Leipus, the former India physio, who played a big part in his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury in 2001.

Kumble hoped the batsmen-dominated nature of the game will give way to a more even contest in the future. "Cricket has been seen as a batsman's game but it's important to have a bit of balance between bat and ball. I hope the balance is restored in the future."

Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, presented him with a special ball, weighing close to 300 gram and studded with 1,500 of the finest diamonds sourced from Antwerp. Made by Orra Diamonds, it was interspersed with approximately 600 oval rubies.

Pawar began his speech by remembering this time a year ago. "India lost to Sri Lanka on March 23 and I needed to have an urgent meeting with the members of the home ministry to discuss plans to protect the players and their families. I'm happy that we are in a joyous mood today, celebrating India's victories and leaving that bad phase behind."

Shastri saluted Kumble for his champion qualities but said his humility stood out among the legends. He also lauded Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of selectors, for appointing Kumble as India's Test captain at a period of transition in Indian cricket.

"If I have to put three portraits in the National Cricket Academy, as a role model for anyone who plays the game you will be right up there ... It's been a great career but when you hang up your boots, you will have an even bigger role to play in Indian cricket."

The hour-long function was attended by various members of the BCCI, Gerald Majola, the chief executive of Cricket South Africa, members of the Indian and South African teams and several former Indian cricketers.