In the 90’s Anil Kumble established himself as a mainline bowler in a short period of time.He has the skill of confusing opponents with his new variety of leg-spin which did not turn much and it was fast in pace compared to the orthodox variety.Once the captain gives the ball in his hands he knows exactly what to do and hence he is a favorite among recent Indian captains.But dropping Kumble for 2 consecutive tests in the West Indies came as a shock to cricket fans.The Board of Indian Cricket Control showed that performance is necessary alongwith experience though it may be only in Kumble’s case.
Kumble earned his first Indian cap in 1990 at Manchester(Old Trafford) in the 2nd test while playing against England but after that series he was dropped.But he was showing good signs in domestic cricket and he came back in the Indian team that was touring to South Africa.In 1992-92 in the home series against England, Kumble performed very well, he took 21 wickets in 3 Tests.
Googly, Flipper, Topspinner are the varieties in his armor alongwith the regular deliveries.He has nicely shouldered the responsibility which came upon him alongwith Srinath after India’s main bowling spearhead Kapil Dev retired from cricket in 1994.He has done the unique feat of taking 10 wickets in an innings, he shares this record with Jim Laker.He achieved this feat in Delhi against Pakistan in 1998-99.
Though Kumble’s batting is not so great as compared to his bowling he has the ability to come as a ’’NightWatchman’’ in tests and see the day through or give support to any accomplished batsman accompanying him.
But today Kumble is struggling to find a place is Indian side and he is no longer the no.1 spinner in India according to experts.If Kumble does not comeback with a bang this season must be quoted as the evening of his career.If Kumble puts this thing behind his back and claims his place his Indian team only time will tell or else it would be very difficult for him to stage a comeback with age not on his side