Tributes pour in as Anil Kumble is inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

Anil Kumble has left a lasting legacy in the world of cricket. The third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 619 scalps and with 337 ODI wickets, Kumble was a genuine match-winner for India throughout his career.

ICC also ended up celebrating the occasion by posting a video where legends of the game Kumar Sangakkara, Wasim Akram, and Stephen Fleming spoke about the leg-spinner and his impact on the sport.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara did not hesitate in admitting that Kumble gave him many sleepless nights as a batsman. He also called him ‘an intense cricketer’ and ‘an absolute champion.’

“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. 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,” Sangakkara said in a video shared by the ICC.

Though Kumble is currently the third highest wicket-taker in Test cricket’s history, he might soon be overtaken by England’s James Anderson who currently has 614 scalps to his name. India play England after the World Test Championship Final this summer.

Sangakkara’s former international teammate Mahela Jayawardene also echoed similar sentiments on the great spinner. “He 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,” said Jayawerdene.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan fast-bowler Wasim Akram also lauded the career of Anil Kumble. He recounted the occasion when Kumble absolutely dismantled the Pakistan batting order by picking up 10 wickets in a single innings.

“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,” concluded the former Pakistan captain.