BCCI's indifferent birthday wish for Anil Kumble riles up fans

BCCI had in its first tweet referred Anil Kumble as "former Team India bowler" but later made amends to add "captain" and "legend" in its tweet.

Jepher Christopher Nickels
Jepher Christopher Nickels
October 17, 2017 | UPDATED 17:04 IST
AP PhotoAP Photo

Highlights

  • 1
    Kumble is India's highest wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs.
  • 2
    Kumble made his Test debut in August 1990.
  • 3
    He was named the coach last year but resigned from his post in 2017.

Anil Kumble's fans on Wednesday slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the board's indifferent birthday wish to the legendary cricketer.

The former India captain and one of the greatest bowlers to have played cricket, turns 47 today. The fiery leg-spinner captained India in 14 Tests and oversaw three victories, five defeats and six draws.

BCCI in their tweet wrote, "Here's wishing former #TeamIndia bowler @anilkumble1074 a very happy birthday."

However, the board later deleted its tweet after fans slammed the BCCI for giving Kumble due respect.

"Here's wishing a very happy birthday to former #TeamIndia Captain Mr. Anil Kumble #Legend #HappyBirthdayJumbo," BCCI later tweeted.

Kumble is India's highest wicket taker in both Tests and one-day internationals. The leg-spinner took 619 wickets from 132 matches in the longest format and 337 wickets from 271 ODIs.

Kumble made his Test debut in August 1990 against England at Manchester when he was 19. He made his ODI debut in April earlier that year against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. Kumble's cricket career was spread over 18 years in which he single-handedly led India to famous victories.

The inspirational leader was also appointed the coach of the Indian cricket team in 2016 and during his one-year term, Virat Kohli-led India won five consecutive Test series from June 2016-March 2017. Under Kumble's guidance, India also registered ODI series win against New Zealand and England, and reached the ICC Champions Trophy final.

However, two days after the Champions Trophy Kumble resigned from his post as his partnership with captain Kohli became 'untenable'.