Anil Kumble is regarded as one of the best spinners the sport has ever witnessed. The former Indian skipper was classy, full of talent and carried match-winning abilities right under his sleeves. He retired as one of the most influential players in India’s red-ball cricket history. The third-highest wicket-taker in Test format was respected by his rivals as well. Anil Kumble has given me a few sleepless nights as a batsman- Kumar Sangakkara
Anil Kumble included in the hall of fame
On May 19, the International Cricket Council (ICC) hailed Anil Kumble for his immense contribution to international cricket. Anil Kumble was honoured on Wednesday as he was included in ICC’s Hall of Fame. ICC also posted a video on their official Twitter handle where Kumble’s former oppositions including the likes of Stephen Fleming, Wasim Akram, and Kumar Sangakkara glorified the leg-spinner for his outstanding career.
Let’s see what the legends had to say about Kumble
“Kumble has given me a few sleepless nights as a batsman. He was not your orthodox leg-spinner. This big, tall gangly bowler running in and bowling with very high arm action,” Kumar Sangakkara said in a video shared by the ICC.
“Bowling fast, bowling straight and accurately. It was not at all easy to get him away for runs. A lot of bounce… he had great pace on the ball and if there was any rough on a length, the batsman had very little chance of getting away. Lovely guy, very intense cricketer but an absolute champion for India and world cricket,” he added.
“Knew exactly what his strengths were. Didn’t go away from that and just kept asking questions from the batsman. If you were a batsman facing Anil, you knew that he always had a plan for you,” Mahela Jayawardene said.
“I remember he got 10 wickets against us, in India in Delhi in an innings. I was the 10th wicket, I still remember like it was yesterday. A very difficult bowler, unlike any other leg-spinner,” said Wasim Akram.
