Anil Kumble is the greatest Indian spin legend who holds diverse records to his name. As he turns 51, we look at five of his exciting facts you might be unaware of.
When it comes to some of the greatest Indian cricketing legends, Anil Kumble is a name that definitely features in the list. In fact, he is the greatest Indian spin legend to date, claiming more than 1,000 international wickets.
Having retired from the sport a decade ago, he still happens to be one of the most respected figures in Indian cricket. As he celebrates his 51st birthday, we present five of his fascinating facts you might be unaware of.
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Highly qualified academically
If you did not know, Kumble happens to be the most academically qualified Indian cricketer to date. He holds a prestigious degree in Mechanical Engineering. However, he did not let academics stop pursuing his dream of playing cricket for India, as he kept refining his bowling skills.
Fast bowler initially
Yes, you read that right. Like some of the Indian bowlers, Kumble too started as a fast bowler, during which he learnt to bowl his famous flipper deliveries that have tormented numerous batters around the globe. Later, when he switched to spin, he was highly effective with the flippers, making him famous worldwide.
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'Jumbo'
Kumble is famously known as Jumbo. As for why he is called by that name, one theory suggests that his ability to ball with variations in different conditions earned him the same, while the other indicates that the name was given to him for his jumbo-like feet. The name was given to him by former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Broken jaw
While this might not be an unfamiliar fact, during a Test match against the Windies in 2002, he got hit by a shot off Mery Dillion that hit him on the face, and he suffered a fractured jaw. Although he received 11 stitches, he decided to continue playing the match and bowl, while he also dismissed Brian Lara.
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Married a divorcee
Yes, one of the shocking facts of Kumble's life is that he married a divorced woman, Chethana. Not just that, she also has a son and a couple of daughters from her previous marriage.