Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble celebrates his 49th birthday on Thursday (October 17) and wishes are pouring in for the Indian great from all around the world. However, the greetings of Virender Sehwag will just not amuse Kumble but will tickle his funny bones. Sehwag apologised to the leg-spinner for ‘depriving’ his second Test century and wished the former to score a century in real life. Kumble once revealed that he could have scored two Test centuries but courtesy Sehwag’s provocation, that couldn’t happen. In the fourth Test of India’s 2008 Tour of Australia, Kumble was batting on 87 and was looked all-set to score a century. However, during the session break, Sehwag advised Kumble to not waste time and score quickly. Kumble followed the instruction and look to smash the first ball he faced after tea. The move backfired eventually and the former was dismissed by Mitchell Johnson. Happy Birthday Anil Kumble: Five Unforgettable Bowling Spells by the Legendary Leg Spinner.

“One of India’s greatest ever Match winners and a terrific role model. Sorry for depriving you of your second century @anilkumble1074 bhai. But I pray that you score a century in real life. Only 51 more to go.. come on ..come on Anil Bhai ! Happy Birthday” Sehwag also called Kumble as one of India’s greatest leg-spinner and terrific role-model. The two former cricketers share a great bond and Sehwag’s post was clearly depicting that. Kumble captained India for one year between 2007 and 2008 and the team did fairly well under him. The leg-spinner is India’s highest wicket-taker in international cricket and is idolized and respected by many Indian cricketers. Anil Kumble Birthday Special: From an Engineering Graduate to Taking 619 Test Wickets, Here’re Lesser-Known Things about ‘Jumbo’ of Indian Cricket.

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Talking about Kumble, the former cricketer was an unorthodox leg-spinner who relied on his tight line and lenghth rather than turning the ball. His career tally of 956 International wickets speaks the volume of the latter’s ability. The leggie bid adieu to the game in 2008 and gave a breather to many batsmen around the world. Post-retirement, Kumble served as a commentator and coach. The 49-year old’s next coaching assignment is with Kings XI Punjab in Indian Premier League 2020.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2019 11:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).