Anil Kumble's fighting spirit will inspire India in West Indies: Sourav Ganguly

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes his former teammate and Team India coach Anil Kumble is one of the best fighters he has ever seen in cricket.

Under Ganguly's leadership, Kumble braved a broken jaw, and came onto bowl a 14-over spell on the final day of the Antigua Test against West Indies in 2002. India managed a draw on a flat deck but Kumble's act of bravery stole the show. The leg-spinner went on to dismiss West Indies legend Brian Lara on the final day to add some spark to a dead rubber. (Also read: India better balanced than West Indies: Sourav Ganguly to India Today)

Kumble, who got hit by a Mervyn Dillon delivery on the third day, batted on with the then wicketkeeper batsman Ajay Ratra, who made a ton. "I didn't want to sit around," Kumble had said when he was asked about his act of bravery. (India, West Indies face contrasting challenges in upcoming series)

'INDIA'S BIGGEST MATCH-WINNER'

Ganguly said he wasn't surprised seeing Kumble battle the odds in the Antigua Test. "To see Kumble come out and bowl when there was nothing left in the wicket was something special. That is what Kumble is known for. 600 wickets don't come to anyone easily. (Team composition poses a big challenge for Kohli ahead of Antigua Test)

"That is why he is one of India's biggest match-winners along with Sachin Tendulkar. I wasn't surprised by what I saw. I was fortunate enough to be the captain that day. He got the wicket of Brian Lara, as well. I thought he bowled a brilliant 14-over spell," Ganguly told India Today television in an exclusive interview. (India must win big vs West Indies to avoid losing points)

Kumble, who took over as Team India coach last month, has been proactive both on and off the field. At the preparatory camp in Bengaluru, Kumble, apart from training with the team, came up with various team bonding exercises. The former captain also chaired a meeting with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, the U-19 coach Rahul Dravid and the national selectors to chalk out a road-map for India's upcoming Test season. (Sanjay Bangar says India prepared for different conditions and situations)

Ahead of first assignment as coach, Kumble has already made his plans clear. He had said he would want his team to fight till the last ball of the game and said he would do nothing to curb the natural abilities of a player. (Anil Kumble demands boring cricket from Virat Kohli's India)

GANGULY LAUDS KUMBLE'S INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

Ganguly believes Kumble's indomitable spirit and the willingness to take up responsibility will trickle down to Kohli's young team. Ganguly pointed out Kumble's arduous but rewarding spell in the Sydney Test of 2004, in which India were eyeing a historic series win in Australia. Kumble bowled 42 overs from one end and scalped four wickets on the final day of the last match of the four-Test series.

"I still remember Day 5 Sydney Test in 2003. I walked up to him in the morning of Day 5 and said, 'Anil, it is 1-1 and we are way ahead in the Test match. It's a good opportunity for us to win the match and the series for the first time in Australia after a long long time.' The first thing he said was 'you worry about the 45 from this end and I will take care of the remaining 45 overs. It's on the Day 5 on the four-Test series.'," Ganguly revealed.

Ganguly labeled Kumble 'the champion of Indian cricket' and that he would want him to motivate the team to success in the upcoming season.

"Kumble has been a champion for Indian cricket. Hopefully they can win this series and start the campaign on a positive note," he said.

India are set to take on hosts West Indies in the first Test at Antigua, starting tomorrow.