I have handed the baton to Dhoni at the right time: Kumble

Bangalore, Nov 3 (UNI) Former Indian captain Anil Kumble today said he has handed over the mantle to Mahendra Singh Dhoni at appropriate time.

Talking to newspersons here, after his return from New Delhi, Kumble said, Indian cricket was in safe hands, as Dhoni has time and again proved that he is an able leader.

''The Indian team is doing very well at this juncture. We have a great momentum going and one day we will reach on top.

Dhoni will be at the helm and I think I have handed over the responsibility to him at the right time,'' Kumble said.

He said taking the decision to retire from active cricket was not hard.

''I have led the Indian team well and given 100 per cent at all times. I thought it was the right time to quit. MS (Dhoni) has done exceptionally well.

''He is perfectly in position to take over the mantle. We have the right man and we can depend on him,'' he added.

Commenting on the spinners, Kumble said ''I think Amit Mishra has done really well and is a good future prospect.

There are a couple of young spinners as well and Harbhajan has carried the responsibility so well despite being young,'' he added.

''I have some future plans. I want to open a cricket academy after spending sometime with my family. You know people become old but does not lose their zest. Look at mega star Amitabh Bhachan. He still concentrates on his profession but in a different role. He is still a fantastic performer.

''I do not understand why people get confused. They expect the same thing from the same person always,'' he added.

UNI RS KVV RAR RN1934