On 18th June 2025, Anil Kumble’s legacy continues to inspire cricket fans across India and the world. Anil Kumble, born on October 17, 1970, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a former Indian cricketer, captain, coach, and commentator. Known as “Jumbo,” he is one of India’s greatest leg-spin bowlers. His career lasted 18 years, and he took 619 wickets in Test cricket. This biography tells the story of his life, career, and achievements in simple words.
Early Life And Family
Anil Radhakrishna Kumble was born in Bengaluru to Krishna Swamy and Saroja. His parents came from Kumbla, near Kasaragod, Kerala. Anil has a brother named Dinesh Kumble. His family spoke Kannada at home. Anil was a bright student and loved cricket from a young age. He grew up watching players like B.S. Chandrasekhar, a famous Indian spinner. This inspired him to become a cricketer.
Anil studied at Holy Saint English School for primary education. Later, he joined National High School in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. He completed his Class 12 at National Pre-University College Basavanagudi. Anil was good at studies and cricket. He joined Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE) in Bengaluru. In 1991-92, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Even while studying, he played cricket on the streets of Bengaluru.
At age 13, Anil joined the Young Cricketers club in Bengaluru. This was his first step toward professional cricket. He started as a medium-pace bowler but later became a leg-spinner. His coaches saw his talent and helped him improve.
Anil Kumble Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anil Radhakrishna Kumble |
| Nickname | Jumbo |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Parents | Krishna Swamy (Father), Saroja (Mother) |
| Sibling | Dinesh Kumble (Brother) |
| Education | Holy Saint English School (Primary), National High School, Basavanagudi |
| Higher Education | Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE), Bengaluru |
| Degree | Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (1991-92) |
| Early Cricket | Joined Young Cricketers club at age 13; started as medium-pace bowler |
| First-Class Debut | November 30, 1989, for Karnataka vs. Hyderabad (took 4 wickets) |
| International Debut | Test: August 9, 1990, vs. England in Manchester (3 wickets) |
| Major Achievement | Took 10 wickets in an innings (10/74) vs. Pakistan, Delhi, February 7, 1999 |
| Test Career | 132 matches, 619 wickets, best: 10/74, 1 century (110* vs. England, 2007) |
| ODI Career | 271 matches, 337 wickets, best: 6/12 vs. West Indies, 1993 |
| World Cup | 1996: Leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets |
| Captaincy | Test captain (2007-08), led India in 14 Tests, won 3, including vs. Pakistan |
| Retirement | November 2008 (International), 2010 (IPL) |
| IPL Career | Played for Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained in 2009, best: 5/5 (2009) |
| Coaching Roles | Head Coach, India (2016-17); Mentor, RCB & Mumbai Indians; Coach, Punjab Kings (2020-22) |
| Awards | Arjuna Award (1995), Padma Shri (2005), Wisden Cricketer of 1996, ICC Hall of Fame (2015) |
| Family | Married Chethana Ramatheertha (1999); 3 children: Mayas (son), Aaruni, Svasti (daughters) |
| Hobbies | Photography, traveling |
| Legacy | India’s greatest bowler, 619 Test wickets, Anil Kumble Circle in Bengaluru |
| Notable Incident | Bowled with a broken jaw in 2002 Test vs. West Indies, dismissed Brian Lara |
| ICC Role | Chairman, ICC Cricket Committee (2012) |
| Current Status | Cricket commentator, involved in cricket administration (as of June 18, 2025) |
First Steps in Cricket
Anil’s cricket journey began in 1989. On November 30, 1989, he played his first-class match for Karnataka against Hyderabad. He took 4 wickets in that match. This performance showed his skill as a young bowler. Soon, Anil became a key player for Karnataka in domestic cricket. He helped his team win many Ranji Trophy matches.
In 1990, Anil got a big chance. He was selected for the Austral-Asia Cup. This was his first international tournament. Later that year, he played his first Test match against England in Manchester on August 9, 1990. He took 3 wickets in the match. Though India drew the game, Anil’s performance was noticed. His Test debut marked the start of a great career.
Rise to Fame
Anil’s big moment came in 1992. India toured South Africa, and Anil took 18 wickets in four Test matches. His best was 6 wickets for 53 runs in Johannesburg. This showed he could bowl well on fast pitches. Later that year, England toured India. Anil took 21 wickets in three Tests. India won the series 3-0, and Anil became a star.
Anil’s bowling style was different. He did not spin the ball much like other leg-spinners. Instead, he used speed, bounce, and accuracy. His fast deliveries were like a “jumbo jet,” earning him the nickname “Jumbo.” He also bowled a deadly flipper and googly. These tricks confused batsmen. Anil worked hard to improve his bowling. He later added a topspinner and slider to his skills.
In 1993, Anil shone in the Hero Cup final against West Indies. On November 27, 1993, he took 6 wickets for 12 runs. This was a record for an Indian bowler until Stuart Binny broke it. In 1996, Anil played the World Cup. He took 15 wickets and was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. That year, he took 61 wickets in total.
Historic Achievement in 1999
Anil’s greatest moment came in 1999. India played Pakistan in a Test match in Delhi. On February 7, 1999, Anil took all 10 wickets in one innings. His figures were 10 wickets for 74 runs. Only Jim Laker of England had done this before. This feat made Anil a legend. A traffic circle in Bengaluru was named “Anil Kumble Circle” to honor him. His car license plate, KA-10-N-10, also celebrated this achievement.
Courage and Determination
Anil was known for his bravery. In 2002, during a Test match in Antigua against West Indies, he broke his jaw. A ball from Mervyn Dillon hit his face. Anil needed 11 stitches but returned to bowl. He bowled 14 overs and even dismissed Brian Lara. This showed his love for the team. Fans called him a true fighter.
Anil also worked hard as a batsman. His batting average was low, but he scored a Test century in 2007. On August 10, 2007, against England at The Oval, he scored 110 not out. It took him 118 Test matches to reach this milestone. This century was a proud moment for Anil.
Captain and Coach
In 2007, Anil became India’s Test captain. He led the team in 14 Tests, winning three matches. His biggest win was against Pakistan in 2007. India won the home series, their first against Pakistan in 27 years. Anil also led India during the 2008 Australia tour. Despite controversies, he took 20 wickets in four Tests.
Anil retired from international cricket in November 2008. He played 132 Tests and 271 ODIs, taking 619 Test wickets and 337 ODI wickets. At retirement, he was the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne. Anil also holds records for most caught-and-bowled dismissals (35) and leg-before-wicket dismissals in Tests.
After retiring, Anil stayed active in cricket. He played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In 2009, he captained RCB to the IPL final. His best IPL performance was 5 wickets for 5 runs against Rajasthan Royals. Anil retired from IPL in 2010. He later mentored RCB and Mumbai Indians.
In 2012, Anil became chairman of the International Cricket Council’s cricket committee. In 2016, he was named head coach of the Indian team. Under his coaching, India reached the No. 1 Test ranking. The team won series against New Zealand and England. Anil resigned in 2017 due to differences with captain Virat Kohli. From 2020 to 2022, he coached Punjab Kings in the IPL.
Awards and Honors
Anil received many awards. In 1993, he was named Indian Cricket Cricketer of the Year. In 1995, he got the Arjuna Award. In 1996, he was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year. In 2002, he was shortlisted for Wisden Indian Cricketer of the 20th Century. In 2005, he received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. In 2015, Anil was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, the fourth Indian to get this honor.
Personal Life
Anil married Chethana Ramatheertha in 1999. They have three children: a son, Mayas, and two daughters, Aaruni and Svasti. Anil is humble and family-oriented. He loves photography and traveling. Despite his fame, he stays simple. Anil follows Hinduism and lives in Bengaluru.
Legacy
Anil Kumble is a role model for young cricketers. His hard work, discipline, and courage inspire many. He showed that success comes from effort, not just talent. Anil adapted to all pitches, from dusty Indian tracks to bouncy foreign ones. His 619 Test wickets make him India’s greatest bowler. Only Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and James Anderson have more Test wickets.
Anil’s sportsmanship earned him respect worldwide. He was calm on the field and kind off it. Fans call him “cricket’s last gentleman.” His records, like taking 10 wickets in an innings, will be remembered forever. Bengaluru honors him with Anil Kumble Road and Anil Kumble Circle.
Conclusion
Anil Kumble’s journey from Bengaluru’s streets to cricket’s biggest stages is inspiring. Born on October 17, 1970, he became a legend through hard work. His 18-year career, 619 Test wickets, and brave moments define him. As a captain, coach, and mentor, he shaped Indian cricket. Today, on October 17, 2025, we celebrate his 55th birthday and his timeless legacy. Anil Kumble will always be India’s “Jumbo” hero.