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Kumble announced the decision after the drawn third Test against Australia and said it was fitting to have called it a day at the Ferozeshah Kotla Ground where he took 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999.
The surprise announcement means that Kumble will not be playing the fourth and final Test in Nagpur where India will have a new Test captain with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the current vice-captain, expected to be handed the reins.
The 38-year-old leg spinner, who has captured 619 scalps in 132 Tests to be third in the list of highest wicket-takers after Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, injured his little finger during the course of the third Test and was doubtful for the last Test in Nagpur.
"Delhi has been special for me and I thought it fitting to finish my career here," he said amid loud applause from the Kotla crowd.
Replying to critics' call of his retirement, Kumble had said that he would decide when to quit.
He said long years of international cricket has taken a toll and the injury on the little finger of his left hand in the third Test helped him take the decision.
"I was a very tough decision particularly after playing competitive cricket for the last 18 years. But the body gave the decision. This injury probably helped me take the decision," he said.
"It was yesterday I decided to retire. I won't be 100 per cent fit in Nagpur and it is no use going in Nagpur without 100 per cent fit, so I thought it is my time to go," Kumble added.
Asked about the response of his teammates when he informed them of his retirement decision, Kumble said, "The response I got I was proud of it. I have played with lots of players -- Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, the younger lot and of course with captains like Mohd. Azzaruddin. I am proud to have played along with some of the great players."
Kumble said he would want to go to Nagpur for the final Test to wish Sourav Ganguly on his last Test and Laxman on his 100th Test.
"I may not be going with the team tomorrow. But I would want to be in dressing room in Nagpur and see that India win the series."
Regarded as one of the best spinners in the world, Kumble took over the captaincy in November 2007 after Rahul Dravid relinquished the post. He led India to victory in the home series against Pakistan, the first home triumph against the traditional rivals in 27 years.
A gentleman cricketer, Kumble played a key role in keeping emotions in check and being the true ambassador during India's ill-tempered tour of Australia.
A fighter to the core, Kumble was often criticised for not being a great turner of the ball early in his career but the Karnataka stalwart kept silencing his critics with heroic performances right through his career.
Besides his Test exploits, Kumble had an impressive record in the shorter version of the game with 337 wickets in 271 matches, the highest number of scalps by an Indian bowler till date.
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we watched every development and success through your carreeer with pride. Now that you are retiring...you will be missed badly by your colleagues and all of us...your fans. Would you now that you have more time help us promote cricket within the intellectually challenged community? We have a match between UK and Bangalore at the Air Force Training Command Grounds at Mekari Circle on the 27th of November. Would you come by to encourage our youngsters. Warmly, Sugandha (Trustee and Board Mmeber Special Olympics Bharat)
Thanking You!
i was in tears when i heard of his retiremnet....
realy kumble sir is real cricketers. i wish him to happy life in future
I was in tears when i heard of his retiremnet....Its gonna be tough for the Indians without the leg breaks and googlees.....
Anil kumble ,the ever great bowler for india wil be remembered for his match winning performance which was more even thanTendulkar! A great gentleman in the field ,youngsters should learn what is aggression from him!
ANIL was really a champion. I really like his temper and greatness shown in every match. Getting respect from Millions of indians consisitently requires something extra and JUMBO has it . I really appreciate his gentleman behaviour. He is a roel model for everyone.
Kumble’s birth date is 17.The occult number of Kotla is 17
A great Player and a complete professional Anil Kumble can be remembered in the history of International Cricket for his contribution. He was not included in the finals of 2003 world cup which India lost and again he was dropped in a crucial match against SriLanka during the world cup 2007 which India lost and were out of the Tournament. So The above Incident clearly Indicates the importance of Anil Kumble. We salute and Respect a lot.
kumble is a great player and his performance will be remarkable for everytime in the minds of people who loves good and true cricket, salute to ANIL KUMBLE
Anil has played a role of workhorse in the team. No one should doubt his integrity and commitment to the game. His decency should not be trampled upon. His cricketing skills, however, has taken a beating.He took the right decision himself rather than it being thursted upon him. Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman et al must take the cue. Current form (last 5 Test matches and last 10 One day international) should be the only criteria for selection. Nothing else matters
THE ONLY PLUS POINT IN FAVOUR OF DRAVID IS HIS FIRST SLIP FIELDING-----INDIA DOES NOT HAVE MANYSUCH FIELDERS----so dravid may not retire immediately--he can step down and then regain his form by playing domestic cricket--since laxman is in tyremendous form he will always be chosen ahead of dravid-----vacant position of ganguly will be filled up by a left hander--raina or yuvraj-----to accomodate right handed batsman like rohit sharma or virat kohli dravid has to either retire or step down voluntarily or be dropped-----HE CANNOT CONTINUE[nagpur may be his last chance]
by lashiong out at kumble vengsarkar was only doing some PLAIN SPEAKING----he will do again very soon [WAITING LIST NO 1 RAHUL DRAVID]------the performance of dravid in last one year has been worst---moreover there are many good right handed batsmen ROHIT SHARMA, VIRAT KOHLI, S BADRINATH, -----he has no furthur targets --he cannot overtake tendulkar because he is too far and also younger-----he has also taken more than 100 catches----he has played more than 100 tests-----so why is he waiting? ---since laxman is in tremendous form dravid has to go ------at least he can temporarily retire ------[and then regain form after playing in domestic cricket]-------even if he does not retire he can step down voluntarily for 3 months--
WHY DRAVID IS NOT RETIRING? his performance in last 12 months have been the worst among the FAB 5. HE GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO RETIRE IN HIS HOME TOWN BANGALORE[1ST TEST]---NOW HE HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RETIRE IN HIS WIFES TOWN[NAGPUR]-------vengsarkar has lashed out at kumble----why he is not lashing out against dravid---THE WALL SHOULD READ THE WRITING ON THE WALL.
Another oak tree has fallen. That is the scheme of things. When they go, some cricketers leave behind a bad smell. Like Azharuddin. And some leave in a blaze of glory. Like Kumble.Men may come, men may go, but the game goes on forever. We have new stars like Dhoni, Sharma and Gambhir.. Let us cheer them on. Vengrai P. Sarathy
A great player and a thorough gentleman. Every captain would turn to him for a breakthrough, but sadly he couldn't repeat it when he captained! Still, he remains India's biggest match winner.
Kumble besides being a great cricketer always came across as a wonderful human being. I hope we recognize this.More importantly, he came across as a true patriotic Indian. For which I am thankful to you Anil. I hope the nation also expresses its gratitude in sufficient measure to recognize your worth.
What a sportsman he is? ....I have no words to praise his contribution for Indian Cricket.He is a man with never say die spirit.One of the Greatest Cricket Player of India ever and a Gentlemen Player in all aspects.This is indeed the end of an era. Anil's commitment and 'never say die' spirit will linger in the cricket community for a long time. We are sad but at the same time we all indians are proud of you Jumbo. Wish you a happy and joyfull post-retirement life Jumbo.
Well what can I say......A gentleman cricketer
Kumble has been an extremely professional cricketer throughout his career, a true ammasador of indian cricket. His assets were hard work,patience and "never give up" attitude, Kumble Thanks for all the memories you have made in the hearts of millions around the world..God Bless...!!!!! All i have to say is that young cricketers have a lot to learn from this guy's approach towards cricket on and off the field, he was one cricketer who has never been over shadowed by any scandals or controversies...you can't ask for more...! Fantastic Career coming to a sudden end..! Mix of Politics
We salute you Kumble for your contribution to Indian Cricket.I grow up watching your play.We will miss you and you will in our hear forever.We wish all the best for rest of your life
Kumble has been an extremely professional cricketer throughout his career, a true ammasador of indian cricket. His assets were hard work,patience and "never give up" attitude, Kumble Thanks for all the memories you have made in the hearts of millions around the world..God Bless...!!!!! All i have to say is that young cricketers have a lot to learn from this guy's approach towards cricket on and off the field, he was one cricketer who has never been over shadowed by any scandals or controversies...you can't ask for more...!
He is always a great fighter and we will not forget u . You are great role model for many young cricketers in india
jumbo greatest indian spiner of all times says he retires which bring tears who had set the opposing teams on fires says he retires it brings fears on wat will happen to the indian in the nearest futures.give him 3 cheers as he had these many years had set the indian team on gears tell him good bye as he says i retire
If he lacks fitness and couldn't forsee that he can regain fitness and form even then this isn't a right decision. Kumble should have kept out from this series regained his fitness and form, played some good cricket and then call it a day. We need to take the fitness beyond 40's and this would have gotten rid of the myth that a 30 player isn't good enough..Anyway many folks underperfom when it comes to fitness, despite in their 20's as well. Kumble definitely was a polite and humble captain.