The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), led by Venkatesh Prasad, has honoured Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid by naming two stands at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium after the iconic Indian duo. The tribute recognises their immense contributions to both Indian and Karnataka cricket.
Kumble remains India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, claiming 953 wickets in 401 international matches. Dravid is the country’s second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket after Sachin Tendulkar, amassing 24,064 runs in 504 international appearances, including 48 centuries. Both legends also captained the Indian team during their illustrious careers.
Reacting to the honour, Kumble said the recognition reflects the collective efforts that shaped Karnataka cricket, adding that it goes beyond names on stands and symbolises contributions permanently etched into the stadium’s legacy.
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“I don’t think it would be out of turn to state that all our contributions have made Karnataka cricket what it is, just as Karnataka cricket is what has made all of us,” Kumble was quoted as saying in a media release.
“It’s not really about whose name is on which stand. It’s truly special that all the contributions have been recognized and are now permanently etched in the stadium.”
SHANTHA RANGASWAMY HONOURED
Apart from Kumble and Dravid, the Chinnaswamy Stadium will also have a stand named in honour of former India women’s captain Shantha Rangaswamy, marking a significant tribute to her contribution to Indian cricket.
“It’s really nice that my cricketing colleague Rahul Dravid and Shantha Rangaswamy also being recognized for their massive contributions to Karnataka and Indian cricket. Congratulations to all of you,” Kumble added.
Rangaswamy was the first Indian woman to score a Test century and remains a pioneering figure in the growth and development of women’s cricket in the country.
In 16 Tests and 19 Women’s ODIs between 1976 and 1991, Rangaswamy scored 1,037 runs, including one century and seven fifties. Last October, she was elected president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA), further cementing her enduring role in the game.
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