Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble turned 47 today. Unarguably the greatest Indian spinner of all time, Kumble’ international career spanned nearly two decades and saw him register 619 wickets in Test cricket, and 337 in ODIs.
Post-retirement Kumble remained active through IPL, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore for two seasons before taking up administrative roles. He was President of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and more recently served as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team for one year.
As expected, former and current players, both India and foreign, and other famous personalities took to Twitter to wish Anil Kumble on the special occasion.
Perfect 10, Heroics With A Broken Jaw, And Much More
Kumble, as a cricketer, was unique in many ways. From making his debut in 1990 to retiring in 2008, the gentleman from Bengaluru has given many motivating moments to cherish for his fans. A couple of them being the ten on ten performance against Pakistan and his daring act of bowling with a broken jaw against West Indies.
In 1999, on February 7, Pakistan was at the receiving end of a dubious distinction at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.
It was the second Test of the series and Pakistan, chasing a total of 420, were desperately looking for ways to draw the game.
However, all their hopes were torn apart by Kumble who single-handedly packed off the entire Pakistan batting line–up, taking 10/74. It was only the second occasion and the first time since 1956 when a bowler took all ten wickets in an innings.
This feat, more popularly known as the “Perfect 10” was first achieved by English off-spinner Jim Laker against Australia at Manchester.
Another raring moment that is etched in the minds of the cricket fans is the famous “broken jaw” incident during the tour of West Indies in 2002.
Kumble walked in to take the field in the final session of the fourth Test with a bandage over his fractured jaw which was caused due to blow while batting earlier. He later went bowling a 14 over spell and snapped the wicket of Brian Lara.
Sunil Gavaskar later described Kumble’s effort as:
“Cricket has a way of producing inspiring tales of valour for the country and this ranks at the top.”
Speaking purely by performances, Kumble has many jubilant moments to cherish but when speaking of setting an example that differentiates good players with legendary ones, these two moments stand out.
On Dhanteras, wishing one of India's greatest Dhan @anilkumble1074 bhai a very happy birthday.
Jai jai Shiv Shambho,
Happy Birthday Jumbo ! pic.twitter.com/avEDcOgeWJ— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 17, 2017
Wishing one of India's greatest match winners , @anilkumble1074 a very happy birthday. May you have a great day and year ahead. pic.twitter.com/JBCvgOeIBk
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 17, 2017
Here's wishing a very happy birthday to former #TeamIndia Captain Mr. Anil Kumble #Legend #HappyBirthdayJumbo pic.twitter.com/uX52m8yYif
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 17, 2017
With 956 wickets, he's third in the all-time top international wicket takers list!
Happy Birthday to India leg-spin legend @anilkumble1074! pic.twitter.com/OHuXYxffhP
— ICC (@ICC) October 17, 2017
Truly one of the legends of Indian cricket and played massive part in Indian cricket's success. Many happy returns @anilkumble1074
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 17, 2017
A perfect role model, an inspiration to many and a very humble man. Happy birthday @anilkumble1074! God bless. pic.twitter.com/2u41DG9Q7R
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 17, 2017
Wishing a very happy birthday Anil Bhai. May all your dreams come true @anilkumble1074 ! pic.twitter.com/2UNvZof2tb
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 17, 2017
One of the biggest match winner for #teamindia. @anilkumble1074 bhai, many happy returns of the day… ✌️ pic.twitter.com/AGriMqp4tO
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) October 17, 2017
Happy birthday to India’s biggest match winner…have a great one @anilkumble1074 ???
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 17, 2017
Today: Aravinda de Silva is 52 & Anil Kumble is 47.
In all internationals Kumble has dismissed deSilva most times – on 14 occasions!— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) October 17, 2017
Happy birthday to a true gentleman of cricket, @anilkumble1074 .. respect and best wishes always.
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) October 17, 2017
To a Champion & a Gentleman – Happy B’day @anilkumble1074. Here’s to another terrific year. @KKRiders
— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) October 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/Prashant_NOB/status/916003981431734272
https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/920172479187902465
Wish you a very happy birthday, Kumbels! You have been an inspiration for generations together and will continue to be one. pic.twitter.com/3vqMpqhu6E
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 17, 2017