"Lose Even To Kenya But Not To Pakistan": Anil Kumble On Expectations From Team India In Marquee Clash

Anil Kumble is veteran of many battles. The most successful India bowler in ODIs and Tests has experience that only few cricketers can match in the country. He is also one of the few Indian cricketers to lead as well as coach the national team. Needless to say, Kumble has been part of many India-Pakistan high-octane clashes. He took a historic 10-wicket haul against Pakistan, becoming the second cricketer to reach the mark in an innings. So, when Kumble speaks about India-Pakistan clash, it needs to be  taken seriously.

India are set to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup and the World Cup in the coming two months, and Kumble said on Tuesday that the key will be to take it as just another game of cricket. The former India captain has an outstanding record against Pakistan in both Tests and ODIs, having taken 81 wickets from 15 Tests, including snaring all 10 wickets in an innings (10/74) in 1999 at New Delhi.

In 34 ODIs against Pakistan, Kumble has grabbed 54 wickets. "In our times, the word was 'lose even to Kenya but not to Pakistan'. There was pressure and expectation on the players.

"That's how the matches between India and Pakistan are being played and the key is to treat it as just another match," Kumble said here while speaking during the launch of Pitchside, the memoir written by veteran cricket administrator Amrit Mathur.

The function was also attended by former India batter and the current NCA chief VVS Laxman and former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani.

The 10-wicket haul against Pakistan is still a much-cherished moment for Kumble.

"I did not go onto the field thinking of a 10-wicket haul, though that is the dream of any bowler.

"However, in the next Test match against Pakistan, the Asian Test Championship at