New Delhi:
Indian spin wizard, Anil Kumble is celebrating his 46th birthday on October 17. Considered as one of the greatest leg spinners of the game, Kumble become the leading wicket taker for India in Tests. After a glittering cricketing career which spanned almost for two decades, the ace leggie has taken over as head coach for the Indian cricket team.
Kumble was born on 17 October 1970 in Bengaluru, Karnataka to Krishna Swamy and Saroja. He is married to Chethana Kumble. He also has a brother named Dinesh Kumble.
After having played for 18 years, he announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2008.
Anil Kumble has always garnered respect and praise from his fellow team mates and opposition players for his 'never say die attitude' and fighting spirit and to play the game.
Here are some of the praises showered by former greats of the game:
In an interview with the Telegraph India, the former world cup winning captain Kapil Dev hailed BCCI's decision for appointing Kumble as the national coach by mentioning the three big qualities that Kumble possesses viz confidence, fighting spirit and courage, adding to it he said that it will be crucial for Kumble and for the Indian team.
Sachin Tendulkar praised Kumble while saying, "He has been a match-winner, and the guys have got a lot to learn from him. Anil is ready to share everything he has learnt from this wonderful sport. He played for close to 20 years, so there is plenty to share. I'll just tell the players to grasp as much information from Anil as possible, and enjoy the game above everything else."
Sourav Ganguly while recalling Anil Kumble's indomitable spirit to endure pain in the Ind-WI test played at Antigua said, "He proved again how selflessly he played his cricket. I told him to take care of the jaw and not to be under any pressure of bowling. But he was so insistent and said that he couldn't leave the side mid way. Our physio Andrew Leipus put the bandage and told him not to speak much or even appeal. When he got Lara's wicket he came running down to him and he was so emotional."
Former Sri-lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga while hailing Kumble as a role-model for budding cricketers said,"If Kumble was born in Australia or England, he would have got much more prominence in world cricket considering his superb record in both forms of the game."
'Little Master' Sunil Gavaskar commenting on Anil Kumble's coaching credentials said,"You don’t need a coaching degree, all you have to be is a good man manager. Kumble brings into table a lot of determination, experience and intelligence as India coach."
