Adoringly known as ‘Jumbo’ among his peers and fans, former India captain and current Kings XI Punjab head coach Anil Kumble turned 50 on October 17 and Indian cricketers have congratulated the legend on completing his ‘half-century’. Kumble, who captained India in 14 Tests, between 2007-2008, holds the record for the highest number of career wickets across the ODI (337 wickets) and Test (619 wickets) formats for India.
Kumble’s India teammate VVS Laxman has given him a shout out as the ‘man who taught us to never give up no matter what’. Laxman referred to the 2002 incident in Antigua wherein Kumble did his captain Sourav Ganguly, his team, and the entire nation proud when he appeared with a broken jaw, refusing to quit.
Playing away from home, against West Indies, Kumble bowled a spell of 14 overs and dismissed Brian Lara while bowling with a broken jaw, a day before his flight back to India for his surgery. “At least I can now go home with the thought that I tried my best,” Kumble had said about his refusal to just “sit around”.
It was labelled as “one of the bravest things I’ve seen on the field of play” by cricketing giant Viv Richards.
Many more happy returns of the day to a man who taught us to never give up no matter what. Wish you a wonderful birthday and a glorious year ahead @anilkumble1074 . pic.twitter.com/b3x4urFCgD
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 17, 2020
Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has labelled Jumbo as the biggest match-winner that India has had.
From 10 wickets in an innings to playing with head wrapped up in bandage, a very happy birthday to the greatest match winner India has ever had! @anilkumble1074 pic.twitter.com/eNOnEId54y
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 17, 2020
Virender Sehwag, the biggest entertainer on Twitter, quipped about having an extra wicket in international cricket, over and above his 137 dismissals, as he had once given Anil Kumble the wrong advice which led to Jumbo losing his wicket for 87. Sehwag was referring to the 4th Test, in Adelaide, of India’s tour of Australia in 2004.
Officially I had 136 Intern’tnl wickets, but unofficially had one which was costliest,when I asked @anilkumble1074 bhai to not do tuktuk to offspinner & score his century quickly and he got out on 87. Sorry Anil Bhai, but congratulations on the half century today. Happy Birthday pic.twitter.com/WB3Tie73HD
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 17, 2020
Other Indian cricketers starting from captain Virat Kohli to Kumble’s former teammate Suresh Raina have showered the newly turned 50-year-old with kind wishes.
Wish you a very happy birthday Anil Bhai @anilkumble1074. Have a great day.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 17, 2020
To someone who motivated me when I needed to hear it the most – Happy Birthday jumbo @anilkumble1074 your contribution towards Indian cricket and more so towards nurturing the youngsters has been priceless. Sending you all my love and good wishes on your half century pic.twitter.com/EkLKky0OFZ
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 17, 2020
Many happy returns of the day @anilkumble1074 bhai! God bless pic.twitter.com/kqrNCnXehq
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) October 17, 2020
He’s the man who made us believe that we could win the Ranji Trophy and eventually won it as Karnataka captain. And he’s had a great role in grooming youngsters from our playing days. Happy birthday to my mentor, elder brother and India’s greatest match winner Anil Kumble #Jumbo pic.twitter.com/QUYn7KqeLN
— | Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) October 17, 2020
Wishing a prosperous birthday to one of the greatest bowlers @anilkumble1074 . What a legend, for always leading the way in cricket. Have a great one! pic.twitter.com/nRcWYNXzQC
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 17, 2020