Yesterday I sat enthralled as Kumble bowled ball after ball. I have watched him for a long time, missing out on his exploits before 1999. That’s when Malaysia started broadcasting cricket with regularity. In May 2001 I became his fan for life.

Watching him bowl with the broken jaw, we – my friends and I – stood up to salute the soldier. We sang the National Anthem. A few times he frustrated us, a few times our heart went for him, at the luck that seemed to elude him, but never, ever has he fallen short on trying.

Seldom has such a committed cricketer worn the Indian cap. Only a handful will even reach the touching distance of his lion-hearted spirit.