Anil Kumble, the indomitable Indian cricketer whose legacy as a lethal leg-spinner and relentless fighter precedes him, has led a storied career that’s full of inspiring moments.
Did you know that Kumble once bowled with a broken jaw, taking the wicket of Brian Lara? In the latest episode of CRED’s The Long Game, we’ll take a closer look at Kumble’s remarkable journey, explore his winning mindset, and uncover the profound impact he’s had both on and off the cricket pitch.
On his reputation as an unconventional bowler – “This is a photograph of me as a 14-year-old after winning a trophy for the national high school that I played for. I was an unconventional spinner, unorthodox because I used to bowl fast. When I played, I think there were a lot of suggestions saying, ‘I don’t think you can win outside of India,’ because I was not the classical leg spinner. So, yes, I had the challenge of proving everyone wrong, because whenever I picked wickets, it was not just the skill that I had, but it was sort of attributed to the pitch or the conditions. I kept at it, and I was determined to prove myself. As a sportsman or as a cricketer, as a bowler, one needs to adjust, and then you do evolve.”
On his legendary 10-wicket haul – “We had to win the test match against Pakistan; we had lost the first test match. At lunchtime, Pakistan were cruising at 100 for no loss. So it was all up to the spinners, the bowlers to do the job. Things started to happen, and everything was unfolding right in front of my eyes. So it was one of those special moments, and all the players came and lifted me. That’s when I realized the magnitude of what had happened. Four days later, there was a test championship, and we played Pakistan again, and I struggled to get one wicket. That’s the beauty of the game. The takeaway for me was, you’re on top one day, and then you have to start again from the start. Cricket is like life itself. You just have to stick to that process and be on it all the time.”
On persevering even with a jaw injury – “I went in because of the second new ball and I got hit. I continued to bat so I was there to protect a batter. The only thing that I was asked, or I was instructed by the doctors was to sort of keep it in place. So that’s why I had that bandage. The previous series that we played, we had lost and that was still ranking in my mind. And here, having posted almost 600 runs, or maybe more, I was obviously robbed of an opportunity to go out there and bowl. I always believed that my shoulder was fine to bowl, and I should go in and bowl. So my shoulder was absolutely perfect. When I look back, I don’t even think this is a heroic act or act of courage. No, I mean, the job for me was to bowl and win matches for India, irrespective of what hurdles or hindrances that one may have. It’s never about complaining, just go out there and then commit to it, things will work out.”
CRED The Long Game – a multi-episode series in which celebrated personalities share invaluable tips, personal anecdotes and experiences from their decorated careers.
These icons turn back the clock to their memorable moments and share lessons which can be applied to daily lives. Previous episodes have featured Mithali Raj, Kapil Dev, Sunil Chhetri and Jhulan Goswami.