Saqlain Mushtaq Reveals How 'Big Brother' Anil Kumble Helped Him Get His Vision Back

The proliferation of the global contagion Coronavirus (COVID-19) has consigned the entire world into a lockdown. The world of sports, as is the case with other professions, has been put on a backburner, and with nothing to do, sport stars are resorting to a plethora of different activities to keep themselves engaged.

Former Pakistani wizard Saqlain Mushtaq recently engaged in an Instagram Live session with Sportstar where he opened up on a variety of things including India-Pakistan rivalry and his relationship with former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble.

Speaking to Sportstar, Saqlain revealed how his ‘big brother’ Anil Kumble helped him in getting his vision back. Saqalin used to constantly struggle with his vision during his playing days and due to paucity of able doctors in Pakistan, had to resort to Anil Kumble who gave him the reference of a London-based ophthalmologist.

“We were in England and I told Anil bhai that there are not many good opticians back home, so I am struggling and if he could suggest some ophthalmologists. So, he suggested that I go to Dr. Bharat Rugani. Even he said that he and [Sourav] Ganguly consult him often. He gave me the [contact] number of the doctor and I visited him in Harley Street (in London),” Saqlain told Sportstar.

He added: “The doctor checked my eyes and gave me lenses. I had cataract, the vision power was cylindrical and also the eyes were weak. I had consulted many doctors in Pakistan and none could treat it. So, it was Anil bhai who would help me get in touch with the doctor. It was because of him that I could recover. He is a gem of a person,”

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Used to ask suggestions from Anil Kumble during a series: Saqlain Mushtaq

Saqlain revealed that his anticipation power was almost zero during that time and that was the prime reason behind him being slow on the cricket field.

“If I [stood] in the boundary while fielding, my anticipation power was zero. That’s why I would be slow and would react late. Now, I can see everything clearly,” Saqlain added.

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Saqlain, who last played for Pakistan in the 2004 series against India, revealed that he used to ask suggestions from Anil Kumble during the middle of a series and he never used to misguide him.