Anil Kumble - A Legend

It’s been a sad couple of weeks for Indian cricket although we are leading the series against Australia 1-0 with a test match to be played. 1st it was the shocker from Sourav Ganguly and now its Anil Kumble. Both legends of Indian cricket, who had a lot of similarities I must say.

Before I write more I was astounded when I saw a statistic shown in one of the news channels here. Anil Kumble has taken a stunning 619 wickets in 132 tests and Kapil Dev with 434 wickets in 131 tests. I agree, it would have been a lot more difficult for Kapil who is a medium pace bowler to take wickets in Indian conditions compared to Kumble. Still, a difference of 185 wickets and just a test match more played by Kumble, it’s a staggering achievement indeed. What’s even more surprising is all through his career, Kumble was never regarded as a great player. He was never in the ranks of Sachin / Rahul. He was the most underrated player ever to be honest.

After the Sydney fiasco, Anil Kumble famously said “This is the 1st time I have ever been to a match referee’s room” and that because he was the captain and not the player under scrutiny. Anil was always a tough gentleman who gives 100% every day, every over, every ball. He is a definitely a match winner in his own right. The number of matches he has won for India single handedly is unimaginable. When at peak he used to pick up tailenders wickets in a jiffy. He was just unbelievable as a bowler at his best, one would sense a wicket every over that he bowled. Such was the passion, commitment, mental strength that can be made out of the fearsome lad.


Kumble had gone through a lot of ups and downs and not many ppl never gave credit to him for his achievement thus far. However, he for sure will be missed and big time to say the least. It’s not at all easy to fill in his shoes and I seriously doubt if we will ever see a leg spinner for years to come who would serve the Indian cricket the way he did.

I think the Indians have seen enough retirement in a span of 2 weeks, so let Sachin play for another 4 years at least, may GOD give him all that he needs for it.