Table of Contents
Anil Kumble, affectionately known as “Jumbo” in the cricketing world, is an iconic figure in the realm of Indian cricket. Born on October 17, 1970, in Bangalore, Karnataka, he emerged as one of the finest leg spin bowlers in the history of Test cricket. Anil Kumble achieved a remarkable feat by taking 619 wickets in Test cricket, making him the fourth highest wicket-taker of all time as of 2022. Notably, during a match against Pakistan in 1999, he accomplished a rare feat by dismissing all ten batsmen in a single innings of a Test match, a milestone shared with England’s Jim Laker, making them the only two players to achieve this remarkable accomplishment. In this blog, we will look at Anil Kumble biography, his stats, his journey, his wife, awards, etc.
About Anil Biography
| Attribute | Information | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Anil Kumble | ||||||||||||
| Born | 17 October 1970 (age 52) | ||||||||||||
| Place of Birth | Bangalore, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India | ||||||||||||
| Nickname | Jumbo | ||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||
| Batting Style | Right-handed | ||||||||||||
| Bowling Style | Leg break | ||||||||||||
| Role | Bowler | ||||||||||||
| International Career |
| ||||||||||||
| Domestic Team Info |
| ||||||||||||
| Major Teams Played | India, Asia Xl, Karnataka, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, RCB, Surrey | ||||||||||||
| Net Worth | $12 million (2023) |
Early Life and Cricketing Aspirations
Anil Kumble’s tryst with cricket began at an early age in Bangalore. The city, known for producing several cricketing maestros, became the training ground for this aspiring leg spinner. Kumble grew up idolizing B. S. Chandrasekhar, a renowned Indian leg spinner, and was motivated to pursue a career in cricket. He honed his skills by playing on the streets and soon joined the “Young Cricketers” club at the age of 13.
The Journey to Stardom
Kumble’s talent was soon recognized, and he made his debut in First-class cricket at the age of 19, representing Karnataka. This debut set the stage for a remarkable international career that spanned 18 years.
In 1990, he earned his spot in the Indian national team, making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka and Test debut against England in the same year. Despite not being a big turner of the ball, Kumble’s skill lay in pace, bounce, and accuracy. His unorthodox leg break bowling style and variations made him a challenging bowler for any batsman to face.
The Rise to Prominence
Kumble’s rise to prominence was meteoric. Making his First-class debut at just 19 years old, he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent. His Test debut against England in 1990 marked the commencement of a remarkable international career. Although he initially started as a fast bowler, a transition to leg spin proved to be a pivotal moment, shaping his future and solidifying his place as a legendary spinner.
Also Read | How Cricket Bats Are Made? Step by Step Guide
Bowling Style and Techniques
Anil Kumble’s unique bowling style set him apart from his contemporaries. Though not a significant turner of the ball, he relied on pace, bounce, and pinpoint accuracy to deceive batsmen. Kumble’s repertoire of variations, including the infamous flipper, made him a challenging proposition for any batsman. His unyielding determination and passion for the sport showcased his exceptional character.
Anil Kumble Career Stats
- Bowling
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 132 | 236 | 40850 | 18355 | 619 | 10/74 | 14/149 | 29.65 | 2.69 | 65.9 | 31 | 35 | 8 |
| ODIs | 271 | 265 | 14496 | 10412 | 337 | 6/12 | 6/12 | 30.89 | 4.30 | 43.0 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| FC | 244 | – | 66931 | 29347 | 1136 | 10/74 | – | 25.83 | 2.63 | 58.9 | – | 72 | 19 |
| List A | 380 | – | 20247 | 14178 | 514 | 6/12 | 6/12 | 27.58 | 4.20 | 39.3 | 14 | 3 | 0 |
| T20s | 54 | 54 | 1245 | 1389 | 57 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 24.36 | 6.69 | 21.8 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
- Batting & Fielding
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 132 | 173 | 32 | 2506 | 110* | 17.77 | 6455 | 38.82 | 1 | 5 | 302 | 9 | 60 | 0 |
| ODIs | 271 | 136 | 47 | 938 | 26 | 10.53 | 1536 | 61.06 | 0 | 0 | 57 | 6 | 85 | 0 |
| FC | 244 | 318 | 61 | 5572 | 154* | 21.68 | – | – | 7 | 17 | – | – | 120 | 0 |
| List A | 380 | 203 | 73 | 1456 | 30* | 11.20 | – | – | 0 | 0 | – | – | 122 | 0 |
| T20s | 54 | 21 | 17 | 46 | 8 | 11.50 | 59 | 77.96 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
Also Read | Mankading | List of all Mankading in Cricket History
International Milestones and Records
Anil Kumble’s international career saw numerous milestones, including reaching 600 Test wickets, making him the third bowler globally and the first Indian spinner to achieve this feat. He also holds the record for the most number of caught-and-bowled dismissals in Tests alongside Muttiah Muralitharan. Kumble was known for his relentless work ethic and perseverance, epitomizing the spirit of the game.
Record-Breaking Moments
| Test Match Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Feroz Shah Kotla Test (1999) | All 10 wickets in a Test innings against Pakistan |
| Total Test Wickets (as of 2022) | 619 wickets (4th highest wicket-taker) |
- Kumble etched his name in cricketing history during the Feroz Shah Kotla Test against Pakistan in 1999, where he achieved the remarkable feat of taking all ten wickets in an innings. This remarkable achievement, achieved by only a few in cricket history, solidified his status as a bowling maestro. Over the course of his career, Kumble amassed a staggering 619 wickets in Test cricket, becoming the fourth highest wicket-taker in the format as of 2022.
Awards and Recognitions
Anil Kumble’s exceptional contributions to cricket were duly recognized through various prestigious awards. He was honored with the Arjuna Award in 1995 and the Padma Shri in 2005, recognizing his outstanding achievements in the realm of sports. Being named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year and inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame further emphasized his lasting legacy.
Anil Kumble Family
Anil Kumble was born in Bangalore, which was part of Mysore State (now Karnataka), to Krishna Swamy and Saroja. Both of his parents originated from Kumbla near Kasaragod, Kerala. Kumble has a brother named Diinesh Kumble. Anil Kumble’s wife is Chetana Kumble and is a proud father of three children – a son named Mayas Kumble and two daughters named Aaruni and Svasti Kumble. Anil Kumble’s mother tongue is Kannada.
Coaching and Post-Playing Contributions
Following his retirement from international cricket, Kumble ventured into coaching, playing a crucial role as a mentor and strategist. His coaching tenure with the Indian cricket team witnessed several triumphs, showcasing his prowess beyond playing. Kumble’s commitment to the sport and passion for nurturing talent solidified his position as a guiding force in Indian cricket.
Anil Kumble Social Media
Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Anil Kumble’s journey in the cricketing world remains an inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a testament to the power of determination and dedication. His legacy as a phenomenal leg spinner and a revered mentor continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport, reminding us of the heights that can be reached with sheer perseverance and love for the game.
Also Read | How Cricket Balls Are Made | Step-by-Step Guide
