Anil Kumble Celebrates 34 Years Since His India Debut With Nostalgic Post
Spin legend reflects on the various India appearance since the 1990's
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Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble took to Instagram to mark a special milestone in his illustrious cricket career – the 34th anniversary of his international debut for India. In a post shared on his official Instagram handle, Kumble reminisced about donning the Indian jersey for the first time on April 25, 1990.
“25th April, 1990. Feels like yesterday, when I wore the Indian jersey for the first time,” wrote the spin bowling maestro alongside a throwback photograph.
The video shared by Kumble shows him in different traditional cricket uniforms of India from that era.
A Legendary Cricket Journey Begins
Anil Kumble’s debut came in an ODI match against Sri Lanka at Sharjah. Though his initial appearance wasn’t particularly spectacular, it marked the beginning of what would become one of the most illustrious careers in Indian cricket. The lanky spinner from Karnataka would go on to become India’s greatest match-winner with the ball.
Over his 18-year international career, Kumble established himself as one of cricket’s finest spinners. He remains India’s highest wicket-taker in both Test cricket (619 wickets) and ODIs (337 wickets). His career highlights include the rare feat of taking all ten wickets in a Test innings against Pakistan in 1999, making him only the second bowler in cricket history, after Jim Laker, to achieve this milestone.
Beyond The Bowling Crease
Kumble’s contributions to Indian cricket extended beyond his bowling prowess. He captained the Indian Test team from 2007 to 2008, leading with dignity and tactical acumen. Following his playing career, he transitioned into various administrative and coaching roles, including serving as the head coach of the Indian national team from 2016 to 2017.
The former leg-spinner has maintained his connection with cricket as a commentator and analyst. Recently, he has been actively involved in IPL 2024 coverage, offering expert analysis and insights for broadcast partner JioStar.
Kumble’s Recent Cricket Engagements
In recent weeks, Kumble has been sharing his cricket expertise during the ongoing IPL 2025 season. He has been particularly vocal about RCB’s performances, drawing from his own experience with the franchise. In a recent post, he was seen backing RCB to secure their first home victory of the season before their match against Rajasthan Royals.
The former India captain also recently shared moments from the IPL commentary studio, posting a picture with former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.
Legacy Of A Cricket Icon
As Anil Kumble celebrates 34 years since his international debut, his legacy in Indian cricket remains unparalleled. From his remarkable bowling achievements to his leadership contributions, Kumble has left an indelible mark on the sport.
His journey from a young debutant in 1990 to becoming India’s highest wicket-taker across formats serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers. The nostalgic post shared by Kumble not only celebrates his personal milestone but also reminds cricket fans of the beginning of a career that would significantly impact Indian cricket’s history.
As he continues to contribute to cricket through his expert analysis and mentorship, Kumble’s influence on the sport extends well beyond his playing days, solidifying his status as one of India’s greatest cricket icons.
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