Anil Kumble, the man who became captain because no one else wanted to – and those willing were deemed unsuitable – grew on the job like few others. Surprisingly, though the toughness of the man is a byword in Indian cricket, no one thought of handing him the reins earlier. He brought to captaincy the celebrated aggression that had people callinghim a spinner with a fast bowler's mind. That blended with his native intelligence, diplomacy and ability as bowler – remember, he's won India more matches than any other bowler, ever – and made people wonder if India had missed out on a great captain.