NEW DELHI: Former India spinner
Anil Kumble, fondly called 'Jumbo', turned 48 on Wednesday. Kumble is one of the greatest bowlers India has ever produced. From claiming 10 wickets in an innings to bowling with a broken jaw, Kumble not just played key roles in numerous India wins, but also has been an inspirational figure for many cricketers.
As Kumble turns 48, here’s how the cricketers’ former team-mates wished him on his big day.
Former India swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag took to Twitter and posted a special message for Kumble.
"Happiest birthday to one of India’s greatest ever match winners, a man who defined grit and courage. Those toe-crushing yorkers to tail-enders are something even pace bowlers struggle to execute. Have a great & jumbo life ahead @anilkumble1074 bhai," Sehwag wrote.
Kumble is India's highest Test wicket-taker and the third overall all-time wicket-taker in Test cricket after Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets) and Australia's Shane Warne (708 wickets).
Kumble is also one of only two bowlers in the history of Test cricket to claim 10-wicket in an innings. England's Jim Laker was the first to achieve this incredible feat.
Kumble, who played 132 Tests for India, has 619 Test wickets under his belt, including 8 ten-wicket and 35 five-wicket hauls.
He also played 271 ODIs, claiming 337 wickets, including 2 five-wicket hauls.