8 bowlers and their golden streaks

#8 Anil Kumble (Dec 1997-Dec 2005)

Matches – 58, Wickets – 315, Average – 27.06, 5WI – 22, 10WM – 7

Matchwinner par excellence

If the credit of India’s undefeated run at home in the 1990s can be given to one man, it would be Anil Kumble. In our customary habit of worshipping batting feats, we often sideline the efforts put in by bowlers.

For instance, everyone remembers VVS Laxman’s brilliant 281 at Kolkata vs Australia in 2001. But very few remember that Harbhajan Singh had an equally pivotal role to play in that famous win, his 13 wickets in the match deserve as much, if not more, accolade.

Anil Kumble, at the height of his powers, was amongst the best bowlers in the world. During the period in focus, only Muralitharan, McGrath, Warne and Pollock took more wickets than his 315.

But they played more number of matches than Kumble. Anil, along with Dravid, was pivotal in turning India’s test fortunes in its most fruitful period in Test history (2000s).

(Video Courtesy: WeSpeakCricket YouTube Channel)

All statistics courtesy of ESPNcricinfo