'The start of a truly special journey': Kumble marks 36 years since India debut
New Delhi, Aug 9
Former India spinner Anil Kumble on Sunday marked 36 years since his international debut for India, looking back on the August 9, 1990 Test against England in Manchester where he claimed Allan Lamb as his first international wicket and began a career that would eventually make him India's most successful Test bowler.
Kumble, who received his India Test cap as player number 192, used the anniversary to reflect on the significance of that first appearance and the career that followed.
"It was 36 years ago today that I received my first Test Cap as player number 192 for India. Taking the wicket of Allan Lamb was the start of a truly special journey, one that I cherish deeply to this day. I am incredibly grateful for this journey and everyone who has been a part it," Kumble wrote on X.
The former India captain's international career began during the second Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. He bowled 43 overs in England's first innings, taking 3 wickets for 105 runs, including Lamb. In the second innings, he bowled 17 more overs but did not take any additional wickets.
Kumble amassed 619 wickets over 132 Tests, the most by an Indian in the format. His 337 wickets from 271 ODIs brought his total international wickets to 953, setting another Indian record.
His career featured one of Test cricket's rarest feats. In the 1999 Delhi Test versus Pakistan, Kumble became just the second bowler after Jim Laker of England to take all 10 wickets in a single innings.
The landmark performance occurred when Kumble had become the leader of India's bowling attack, emphasising accuracy, pace variations, and relentless pressure over traditional spin. His influence on Indian cricket went beyond his playing days.
Kumble also served as India's head coach from 2016 to 2017, guiding the team to Test series wins against the West Indies, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Australia. In 2015, he achieved one of the highest honours by being inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
— IANS
Reader Comments
He was the backbone of Indian bowling in the 90s. Those days we didn't have express fast bowlers but Kumble's accuracy was our strength. Such a proud moment for Indian cricket.
Jumbo's 10-wicket haul in 1999 against Pakistan was the greatest bowling performance I've ever witnessed. The atmosphere at Feroz Shah Kotla was electric. That spell is etched in Indian cricket history forever.
As someone who watched cricket in the 90s, Kumble wasn't just a bowler—he was a warrior. That spell with a broken jaw in the 2002 Antigua Test showed his determination. A true role model for all cricketers.
My father still talks about watching Kumble debut on Doordarshan. His career is a testament to how hard work and intelligence can beat natural flair. We need more spinners like him today. 🙏
He might not have been the flashiest spinner, but his commitment was unmatched. Also, his stint as coach brought us the 2016-17 dominance at home. A true gentleman of the game.
Interesting to think that on the same day in 1990, most of us were unaware of the legacy that was about to unfold. His record of 619 wickets will stand for a long time. Happy anniversary, Jumbo!
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