OTD: India’s greatest bowler Anil Kumble was born

Former India bowling great and skipper Anil Kumble turned 53 –years-old on Tuesday. Anil Kumble is still the leading wicket taker for India and 4th in the all time test wicket takers with 619 wickets.

The former India skipper called time on his career in 2008 at the age of 38. His last game was against Australia in New Delhi which ended in a draw. Kumble made his decision on the final day of the test match. Once the news was made public, Anil Kumble was a given an amazing send off.

Post his retirement Anil Kumble dabbled in commentary as well as administration. He also coached the Indian team for a year before he was ousted after player complaints. Even in the coaching front, Anil Kumble had a very good record.

Anil Kumble turns 53

Born on 17th October 1970 Anil Kumble started as a medium pace bowler. Despite having the height there were suggestions made to him to start bowling spin. This did the trick as Kumble started bowling leg-spin.

Anil Kumble made his test debut in 1990 after years of successful domestic performances. He made his debut against England in Manchester, the same game where Sachin Tendulkar scored his 1st test ton.

In that game Kumble picked 3 wickets in the 1st innings with Allan Lamb being his 1st wicket. In the 2nd innings, Kumble went wicketless as the game ended in a draw. Despite a low-key start to his career many experts called him the future of India.

This ODI debut came in early 1990 at Sharjah against Sri Lanka where he picked one wicket in India’s shock loss. The highest moment of Kumble’s career came in early 1999 when he picked all ten wickets in an innings.

The then 28-year-old became the second bowler to achieve this frat after Jim Laker had don’t it in 1956. Chasing 420 to win the Delhi test, Pakistan was coasting at 101/0 at lunch thanks to Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar.

Watch the video below:

Happy birthday, Anil Kumble.

India's leading wicket taker in international cricket - the only Asian bowler to pick up a 10 wicket haul in an innings. The GOAT...!!!
pic.twitter.com/9z9T26Z2or

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 17, 2023

The introduction of Anil Kumble post lunch changed the game as he ran through the Pakistani batting unit. When VVS Laxman caught Wasim Akram at forward short leg the entire stadium jumped in joy as Kumble had taken all ten wickets in the innings. Kumble also picked 337 wickets from 271 games with a best of 6/12.