Win over KKR will be perfect b'day gift for Tendulkar: Kumble

With Sachin Tendulkar turning 40 on Wednesday, Mumbai Indians are keen to celebrate the occasion by posting a win over Kolkata Knight Riders, which MI team mentor Anil Kumble said would be the perfect birthday for the senior batsman.

With Sachin Tendulkar turning 40 on Wednesday, Mumbai Indians are keen to celebrate the occasion by posting a win over Kolkata Knight Riders, which MI team mentor Anil Kumble said would be the perfect birthday for the senior batsman.

"The best way to celebrate his (Tendulkar's) birthday would be by beating Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens tomorrow," Kumble said on the eve of the match.

Paying glowing tribute to Tendulkar, the 42-year-old former India leg-spinner said, "I welcome him to the club. He has had a fantastic career and has come a long way. I wish him more and more success in the remaining days to come."

Asked about his stint in the big-hitting T20 format, Kumble said, "Heart gets a lot of strain as watching Indian domestic league is more stressful."

Kumble was addressing a gathering of 100 under privileged children who were given free kits and clothing. The kids would also be getting free coaching in an initiative by former India opener Devang Gandhi.

Kumble, who is a qualified engineer, also made the kids realise the importance of education and said, "Education and cricket go hand in hand. You should never compromise on education."

"By being good students, you would be able to face challenges in life and in cricket. I urge the parents to stress on this aspect. You should lead a disciplined life."