Haven’t got over 2009 final loss yet: Anil Kumble

The dour look on Anil Kumble’s face, post the semifinal loss to Mumbai Indians, said it all.

For someone who has always played with a never-say-die attitude it must be heart breaking not to lift silverware. 

“I haven’t still got over the loss in the last IPL final and probably this will take a longer time. I don’t play international cricket anymore. This is the only form of cricket I play. I am extremely competitive in this form and it hurts,” said the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper.

Kumble took the blame upon himself for letting the momentum slip.

In the 17th over, which he bowled, the leg-spinner conceded 17 runs and bowled two no balls, including one in which Rayudu was ‘dismissed’ caught.

“Probably that started it all. The way we had bowled in the first 15 overs, we should’ve restricted them (Mumbai Indians) to less than 165-170,” Kumble added.

Looking ahead Kumble wasn’t committal about whether he will return to the field next season. “I am pushing 40 so (laughs). I don’t know, my body needs to hold up and bowling four overs is not a problem but the other things that happen on the cricket field have (taken their toll). Training to play these 16 games is not easy,” he added.

Though he has the third-place fight ahead, victory in which will earn his side a Champions League berth, Kumble isn’t too kicked about it. “It will be a consolation for us if we get through to the Champions League but the big prize was probably the IPL final and we missed out on that.”