The last test series saw two senior players going out of the international cricket arena forever. But one was celebrated and felicitated by fans all over the world, and the other went out quietly. No special farewell, no special felicitations from his fans whomsoever were offered. It looks as if this man never contributed to the Indian team. Why were the cases so different in the two retirement announcements?

Both Saurav and Kumble played more than 15 years of international cricket. Both got the chance to lead the Indian teams to victory too. But when it came to Saurav, his retirement was a public affair. From the local clubs in India to the special functions organized by the fans to the BCCI and ICC to the parliament, everywhere it was Saurav only. How much farewell respect did Kumble get in return for his 18 years of service.

Of course, there was a press conference, where he (Kumble) announced that there was no external pressure on him. He just had enough and wanted to retire. He said that it is the choice of an individual as to choose his time of retirement. In the conference itself, he told that he will now pursue photography and later build an academy for cricket.

The fact that Saurav has a huge following to support him: locally as well as internationally, is the topmost reason why his retirement was publicized this much. TVs and other media focus on their TRPs and hence they designed their programs around Ganguly as he has a greater charisma: a charisma that was gained not only by playing cricket but by indulging in controversies too. There are a number of controversies in which, the cricketer is involved. Hence sometime or the other he remained in news even if it was not the season.

On the other hand, Kumble preferred to spend more time with people close to him when he was not playing. Interviews and photo-shoots were not his cup of tea. He was not pretty much interested in endorsements as well. As compared to the other team players, his glamour was limited to playing cricket only, while others got ample chance to procure more glamour by way of press releases and endorsements, and public appearances. The result: a silent walk alone towards the sunset!