Anil Kumble’s Humorous Remarks on Pavilion End Honor at Chinnaswamy Stadium
Synopsis
Discover Anil Kumble's witty comments on receiving the pavilion end honor at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The legendary spinner playfully noted why Rahul Dravid’s name is absent, reflecting on their remarkable cricketing journeys.
Key Takeaways
Anil Kumble humorously remarks on his pavilion end honor.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association celebrated two cricketing legends.
Kumble recalls his childhood connection to the Chinnaswamy Stadium .
The ceremony underscores the importance of cricket culture in India.
Dravid’s absence from the pavilion end sparked laughter and camaraderie.
New Delhi, April 6 (NationPress) Renowned Indian spinner Anil Kumble provided a humorous perspective on being honored with the pavilion end at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which now bears his name. Kumble joked that the pavilion end wasn’t named after Rahul Dravid because he either spent most of his time outside it or was ‘rarely seen inside’ after stepping out to bat.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) inaugurated the "Anil Kumble End" and the "Rahul Dravid End" prior to the IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, celebrating the contributions of two of the finest cricketers from Karnataka and India.
Kumble humorously remarked about Dravid's absence from the pavilion. "It’s probably because Rahul spent a lot of time outside the pavilion. When he batted, he was seldom seen inside," he shared with JioStar.
The stadium's pavilion end has been named after Kumble, reflecting his bowling prowess and lengthy spells throughout his career. "I have been assigned the pavilion end, perhaps because it’s adjacent to the pavilion, and you don’t require a run-up to bowl from there. During my playing days, I bowled numerous overs from both ends; so, why was I given the pavilion end?" he quipped.
Regarding this honor, Kumble expressed that it surpassed his expectations from his playing days. "I never anticipated that there would be a permanent end at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in my honor. It’s truly a special emotion," he added.
The former leg-spinner, who holds the record as India’s highest wicket-taker across formats, also reflected on his early connection with this iconic venue, recalling his first visit at the age of 9 to watch a Ranji Trophy match between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. "So, yes, this moment feels surreal," he remarked.
The ceremony, attended by KSCA officials including president Venkatesh Prasad, served as a significant homage to two legends whose careers have profoundly impacted Indian cricket.
Point of View
It is crucial to celebrate milestones in sports that honor legends like Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid. Their contributions to cricket are invaluable, and such tributes reflect the deep roots of cricket culture in India. This light-hearted exchange showcases their camaraderie and the love of the game.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the pavilion end at Chinnaswamy Stadium named after Anil Kumble?
The pavilion end was named after Anil Kumble to honor his significant contributions to cricket and his unique bowling style.
What did Kumble say about Rahul Dravid?
Kumble humorously suggested that the pavilion end wasn't named after Dravid because he spent most of his time outside of it when batting.
When was the pavilion end inaugurated?
The pavilion end was inaugurated before the IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings.
How did Kumble feel about the honor?
Kumble expressed that the honor exceeded anything he imagined during his playing career and was a special feeling.
What is the significance of the ceremony?
The ceremony recognized the contributions of two cricket legends—Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid—who have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
