Background

In his early years, Kumble got highly influenced by B.S. Chandrasekhar (former Indian cricketer from Karnataka) and developed an early interest in cricket. Then, Anil joined a cricket club named 'Young Cricketers'. In 1991-92, he graduated with a 'Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering' from 'Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering', Bangalore.

Kumble debuted for Karnataka against Hyderabad on 30 November 1989. In addition, he began his career by supporting the Indian national team to victory with impressive 13/138 figures, leading to a tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

First Appearance

Anil Kumble's debut match in One Day International (ODI) cricket was against Sri Lanka at Sharjah during the 1990 Australasia Cup. In that match, he took 1 wicket and gave 42 runs.

The first Test of his test career was played at Manchester in August 1990 against England. In that match, Anil took 3 wickets and gave 105 runs in 43 overs out of which 7 were maiden ones.

Ascend to Glory

In terms of Indian bowling records, Kumble holds everyone. The batsman always had a nightmare with his googly and subtle variations in flight.

As a quality spinner, he made his mark during the 1992 India tour of South Africa. He finished as the highest wicket-taker of the Indian side, including his 6/53 figures in the second test against the South Africans. Also, in 1999, he became the second bowler in Test history to take ten wickets in an innings, a feat only accomplished by Jim Laker sixty years earlier.

Kumble's phenomenal sportsmanship was demonstrated in Antigua when he bandaged his fractured jaw and returned to the field to deliver a stirring spell. The 6/12 he bowled against the West Indies in 1993 remains the Indian bowler's most impressive performance ever.

Low Point

Despite Anil Kumble's career achievements, there are bound to be some low points or controversies in every person's life.

• As of June 20, 2017, Kumble had resigned as the head coach of Team India after less than a year in the position. As per the sources, there was no direct complaint by the players about Anil Kumble's coaching, but players and management disliked his 'Hard Task Master' style.
• Another scandal or low point in his life took place in Australia in 2008, when India was playing Australia. The ‘Monkey Gate’ saga took place between Andrew Symonds and Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan was accused by Andrew Symonds of calling him Monkey. In that case, he testified on behalf of Harbhajan Singh.

Captaincy

As a result of his never-say-die attitude, he was named India's Test captain in 2007. During his 14 tests as India's captain, he won three, lost five, and drew six tests.

In his first series against archrival Pakistan, he won 1-0. It was India's first home victory over Pakistan in 27 years. In 2008, he also led India to a remarkable victory over Australia.

Kumble’s Records

• Against Pakistan in 1999, he took 10 wickets, making him the second bowler in history to take that many wickets.
• Took four wickets for Karnataka against Hyderabad on his first-class debut in 1989.
• The most wickets recorded by an Indian in an ODI calendar year, 61 in 1996.
• Most wickets taken at a particular cricket ground in ODIs (56 wickets at Sharjah Cricket Stadium).
• Bowled 40850 balls in his Test career, which is the most by an Indian.
• Test record for the most caught and bowled dismissals, 35.
• 2nd Indian bowler to record 400 test wickets after Kapil Dev.
• The first Indian bowler to take five wickets in an innings more than 30 times.

Retirement

Anil Kumble announced his retirement from ODIs after India's disappointing World Cup exit in the Caribbean Islands in 2007. He continued to play the longer format of the game but retired from international cricket late in the third test against Australia in Delhi on 28 October 2008.

He was appointed as Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee on 12 October 2012 after retiring from cricket.

In June 2016, Kumble was appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team and served in that role for about a year. While he served as a coach for only a short time, Kumble guided India to the number one position in the test rankings.