In a recent revelation, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Anil Kumble opened up about a painful memory from the IPL 2009 final against the Deccan Chargers. Despite Kumble’s stellar performance, where he took 4 wickets for just 16 runs, RCB fell short by 6 runs in their pursuit of the target.
Kumble recalled a crucial moment in the final over of the match when RCB needed 15 runs to win. He was on strike, with Robin Uthappa at the non-striker’s end. Kumble managed to get off strike but felt that Uthappa missed an opportunity to hit a six, which could have potentially changed the outcome of the game. Kumble jokingly mentioned that even today, he reminds Uthappa of that missed opportunity.
“I remember lots of things from that game,” Kumble said. “All the missed chances that we had, a couple of chances went abegging, wides, no balls. Praveen Kumar bowled five wides, which sort of cost us the game. I know even then, 143 should have been chased down.”
Kumble continued, “Whenever I see Robin Uthappa even now, I say Robs, that six. You should have hit that six. At least you should have given me the strike. I kept begging him to not look to scoop. RP Singh was bowling that last over and the first ball Robs looks to scoop.”
“I said Robs, he is not going to let you scoop, look to slog, he is going to bowl length. Again, third ball he tries to scoop, I said Robs, enough! Give me the strike, I’ll look to slog and maybe something can happen, but eventually, we lost by six runs. Whenever I see Robs, I say, that six.”
Kumble’s reminiscence of the final over highlights the intensity and emotions involved in high-stakes matches, especially in a tournament as competitive as the IPL. His conversation with Uthappa sheds light on the fine margins that can determine the outcome of a game and how those moments can stick with players long after the match is over.
“You are a cruel man, Anil bhai,” said Ashwin between fits of laughter. “I am, only in this regard because you remember that,” replied Kumble. “And since RCB hasn’t won since then, you look back and think that we missed an opportunity there.”
Kumble’s reflections offer a glimpse into the mindset of a player who has experienced both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in one of cricket’s most celebrated tournaments. His words serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the enduring impact of key moments on the players involved.
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