Indian batting ace VVS Laxman believes Anil Kumble was an inspiration for an entire generation of Indian cricketers.

Laxman, who bagged the Man of the Match award for his unbeaten 200 and 59 in the drawn third Test with Australia said it has been special playing alongside Jumbo.

"I was happy that I scored runs in Anil's last Test. It has been an absolute pleasure to play alongside him over the years," said the batsman who is poised to play his 100th Test in Nagpur.

"He has a lovely family and I wish him all the best for the future. Anil never failed to inspire us with the way he played his cricket."

Laxman, forever the team man, also paid glowing tributes to Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar after the duo battled hard when India had lost a couple of early wickets.

"Sachin and Gautam batted very well. We got used to the pace of the wicket and once we got in, it was not easy to remove us."

"We missed Anil on the third day, when he had to go off the field with an injury. Had he been around, we could have put more pressure on Australia."

Laxman said he was looking forward to his 100th Test in Nagpur:

"That will be a dream moment for me. Every cricketer wants to play for his country and to play 100 Tests is something special."

Laxman scored the second double ton of his career and followed it up with a 59 in the second innings without being dismissed once in the Test.