Anil Kumble has rendered a yeoman service to the Indian cricket team but it's time for the seasoned leg-spinner to quit and pass the Test captaincy to Mahenra singh Dhoni, feels former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram.
After India coach Gary Kirsten said that Dhoni is ready for Test captaincy, Akram echoed the view and said Kumble should quit at the top of his form, passing over the Test captaincy to Dhoni.
"I respect Anil for what he has achieved. He has done enough for India and I think it's time for him to take a bow at a time when he is still counted as one of the best," Akram told Mobile ESPN.
Though Kirsten said Dhoni's anointment as Test captain should not be rushed, for Kumble was doing a fine job, Akram felt the veteran spinner should not prolong his retirement and call it quits at a time when he is still regarded among the best in the business.
"Dhoni is the man" to replace Kumble, said Akram. Thoroughly impressed by Dhoni's leadership qualities, Akram pointed out India's string of good shows under the star stumper-batsman and also referred to how Dhoni remodelled himself from a hard-hitting batsman to a middle-order mainstay.
Akram in fact went on to say that Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik should take a leaf out of Dhoni's book and learn how to lead from the front.
