Test Ranking: N/A

Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble embodied the essence of a hard trier, match-winner, and relentless fighter in Indian cricket. Renowned as India’s most effective bowler in both Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs), Kumble led the Indian bowling attack for over a decade. Revered as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history, he was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the team.

Bowling Prowess and Milestones

In an illustrious yet understated career, Anil “Jumbo” Kumble claimed nearly every Indian bowling record. Despite not being a prodigious turner of the ball, his skillful use of line and length, coupled with variations like the googly and side spin, confounded batsmen worldwide. In 1999, Kumble became the second bowler in history, after Jim Laker, to claim all ten wickets in a Test innings. His resilience was further demonstrated in 2002 in Antigua, where he bowled with a fractured jaw, showcasing his indomitable spirit. In the twilight of his career, Kumble was appointed India’s Test captain in 2007 and led the team to a memorable victory against Pakistan at home.

Career Achievements

Spanning 18 glorious years, Kumble’s career saw him play 132 Test matches and 271 ODIs, where he took 619 and 337 wickets, respectively. He retired as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history, following Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. Post-retirement, Kumble participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the Bengaluru franchise in 2009 before transitioning to a mentoring role. In 2013, he joined Mumbai as the chief mentor.

Coaching and Administrative Roles

After IPL management roles, Kumble joined the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Cricket Committee in 2012. In 2016, he was appointed the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under his leadership, India achieved the number one ICC Test ranking and recorded the most Test victories in a calendar year. Despite these successes, Kumble stepped down from the coaching position due to differences with captain Virat Kohli.

FAQs about Anil Kumble

1. What makes Anil Kumble one of the greatest spinners in cricket history?

Anil Kumble’s exceptional ability to maintain consistent line and length, combined with his tactical variations in spin, made him one of cricket’s most successful and respected spinners.

2. What is Anil Kumble’s most notable achievement in Test cricket?

Kumble’s most notable achievement was taking all ten wickets in a single Test innings against Pakistan in 1999, a rare feat shared only with England’s Jim Laker.

3. How did Kumble contribute to Indian cricket after retirement?

After retirement, Kumble remained influential through coaching roles and administrative positions, including serving as the head coach of India and working with the ICC’s Cricket Committee.

4. What challenges did Kumble face during his tenure as India’s head coach?

During his tenure as head coach, Kumble faced challenges, including managerial differences with Virat Kohli, which ultimately led to his resignation despite the team’s on-field success.

5. How did Anil Kumble impact the Indian Premier League?

Anil Kumble played a pivotal role in the IPL as a player, captain, and mentor, particularly with the Bengaluru and Mumbai franchises, shaping the teams’ strategic approaches.


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Age
54
Player Skill
Bowler
Batting Style
Right Handed
Bowling Style
Leg break googly
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