ANIL KUMBLE

Anil Kumble was born on October 17, 1970 in Bangalore, Karnataka. He has been playing for the Indian national team since 1990. Currently he is the highest wicket taker for India in both ODI and Test cricket. He is also referred to as 'Jumbo' by his team mates.

He began his career as a medium pacer who became a right-arm leg spinner. His style of bowling is quite unconventional and is most famous for his flipper. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 1990 and that same year during the tour of England he made his Test debut. His acknowledgement as a quality spinner came when India toured South Africa in 1992 and Kumble took eight wickets in the second Test. Later that year he took 21 wickets in just three Tests against England on home ground. He took his first 50 wickets in just 10 matches and became the fastest Indian bowler ever to do so. He also has a record of being the second fastest Indian bowler to reach 100 Test wickets. His haul of 6 wickets for 12 runs by an Indian bowler against Sri Lanka remained unbroken for another 10 years.

Kumble's good form in Test selected him for the World Cup in 1996 and ever since he has also been playing for India's ODI team. His record of 10 wickets in a Test innings against Pakistan in 1999 is only the second of its kind. In 2004 he became only the third spinner in Test cricket and the second Indian to take 400 Test wickets. In 2004 again he became India's highest wicket taker. He also holds the record for the highest number of caught and bowled dismissals.

As a batsman his average is fairly modest but he is known for his tenacity as a bowler. His bowling talents have made him one of India's best spinners. Anil Kumble has already announced his retirement from ODI on March 30, 2007 but continues as a Test bowler. He has won the Arjuna Award in 1995, the Padma Shri in 2005 and was one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1996.