Dilip Vengsarkar Sunday described Anil Kumble as a true match-winner and an ideal role model for the youngsters.

The former chief selector had severely criticised Kumble for playing in the first Test in Bangalore against Australia despite fitness worries and a drastic dip in form.

In an interview given to a news channel, Vengsarkar had said Kumble did not perform over the last few Tests.

"Kumble has not been performing since the last six to seven Tests. He has been a great servant for the country for the last 18 years but he has not done anything of note in the last few matches, his time is up now."

"Kumble looked completely off-color in the match and I don't see him captaining the side after the Nagpur Test."

However, Colonel was in a mood to pay tributes to one the greatest Indian bowlers after he announced his retirement during the fifth day's play in the third Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla and refused to read too much into his own words.

Asked about his comments to a news channel on Saturday, where he said that the leg-spinner's time was up, Vengsarkar said, "I did say but not in so many words, because all great player set high standard themselves. He knows when to quit.

"Anil has been an all time great bowler for India. His records speaks for themselves. He had a fantastic career. He was a match winner in the truest sense of the word. His conduct for the last 18-19 years has been exemplary. He has been an ideal role model for the youngsters," Vengsarkar told PTI.

Vengsarkar said Kumble's injury might have expedited the decision of his retirement.

"He was injured and probably knew that he won't play the last Test," he said.

India play the fourth and last Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Nagpur from November 6.