Anil Kumble responded to the pressure of an India-Pakistan conflict by saying, “Lose even to Kenya but not to Pakistan.”

Anil Kumble, who has some incredible stats versus Pakistan, has clarified the meaning of playing against Asian rivals for the fans. The ex-Indian leg-spinner emphasized the significance of approaching the match against Pakistan as any other match.

Notably, India and Pakistan’s most recent bilateral series was held during the 2012–2013 year. Since that time, only ICC events or the Asia Cup have seen the two Asian heavyweights face off. There is a chance that the two teams will face off repeatedly this season.

India and Pakistan will first face off in 2023 on September 2 in the Asia Cup, and if both teams do well, they may do so once more. On October 14 in Ahmedabad, the two bitter rivals will also square off in the upcoming ODI World Cup.

“Lose even to Kenya but not to Pakistan was the adage in our time. The guys were under pressure and had high expectations. The answer is to treat it as simply another match, Kumble said at the release of Amrit Mathur’s memoir Pitchside, which describes his years of experience as a cricket match official. “That’s how the matches between India and Pakistan are being played,” Anil Kumble added.

“Didn’t go onto the field thinking of that,” Anil Kumble recalls of his infamous 10-wicket haul.

Anil Kumble made cricket history in 1999 in Delhi when he became the second cricketer in history and the first Indian bowler to ever take 10 wickets in a single Test innings. The former captain of India and current head coach claimed he wasn’t considering the 10-for when he entered the field.

“A 10-wicket haul is every bowler’s ambition, but I did not enter the field with that in mind. I was having trouble getting even one wicket in the subsequent Test match against Pakistan in Kolkata for the Asian Test Championship. This is how cricket is played for you, the 52-year-old remarked.