With the 3rd test match between India and Australia just ahead, media is buzzing over Kumble's retirement, or, should I say Indian media's favorite mantra "don't look at the senior players' past records, fire them if they don't perform in a match or two". Well, I myself am not a big supporter of looking at players' past records alone in selecting them for upcoming matches. But that doesn't mean, you should start talking about their forced retirement if they don't perform in a match or two.
Sure, we need to give opportunities for young players. A 35+ years old player may bowl well or bat well, but when it comes to fielding, it's hard for them to be as active as youngsters (there are some exceptions like Jayasurya).
My point is, the senior players should look at their own abilities and retire while giving way to youngsters. Nobody should force them out. Look at Kumble's past records, he has taken lot of wickets, and most of them were match-winning-wickets. He is a great player. He should be given a graceful retirement. This is applicable to all seniors like Sachin, Dravid, Laxman & Ganguly.
Dhoni is a great captain and player. But what happens if he fails in a couple of matches. Will he be fired or will the media demand that he be fired?
Let's give our seniors a graceful farewell.
