Top three Indian cricketers who were not awarded Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

#1 Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble - India's greatest match-winner

Anil Kumble is undoubtedly India's greatest match winner, especially in Test cricket. He may not have been the biggest spinner of the cricket ball, but with his control and accuracy he proved to be a handful for all the batsmen. He was always India's go-to bowler, whether it be for taking wickets or for containing runs.

His biggest accomplishment was the 10 wicket haul against Pakistan at Delhi in 1999 where he single-handedly won India the Test match. The sight of Kumble coming to bowl with a broken jaw in the 2002 Antigua is one of the most inspiring moments in cricketing history, showing his grit and fighting spirit.

Kumble is India's most successful bowler in both Tests and ODIs. He has 619 wickets in Test cricket to his credit with 35 five-wicket hauls. In ODIs, Kumble bagged 337 wickets (including the incredible 6 for 12 in the Hero Cup final) at an economy of just 4.3 runs per over.

Unfortunately despite his terrific record and innumerable achievements, Kumble was never recommended for the Khel Ratna award.