Anil Kumble achieved a legendary milestone in Test cricket when he took 10 wickets for 74 runs in a single innings during the 1998-99 series against Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.
Match: India vs Pakistan
Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Year: 1999 (February)
Wickets Taken: 10 wickets in a single innings
Runs Conceded: 74 runs
Innings: Pakistan’s second innings
Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul is one of the most iconic achievements in cricket history. He became only the second bowler in history (after Jim Laker of England) to take 10 wickets in a single innings in Test cricket. Jim Laker had previously achieved the feat in 1956, and Kumble’s performance in Delhi in 1999 was a historic moment for Indian cricket.
Kumble’s ability to take all 10 wickets in an innings in a Test match is a testament to his accuracy, spin, and consistency. He bowled a tight line and used the pitch conditions perfectly to extract maximum turn, making it very difficult for Pakistan’s batsmen to negotiate his deliveries. His performance was key to India’s victory in the match.
India was playing Pakistan in a highly charged atmosphere, with fierce competition between the two nations. Kumble’s performance came at a time when he was at the peak of his career, and it helped him cement his legacy as one of the greatest spinners in the history of the game.
Kumble was the first Indian bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test innings, making this an even more special achievement for Indian cricket fans. It also solidified his place as one of India’s greatest cricketers.
Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in Delhi against Pakistan is often regarded as one of the greatest individual performances in Test cricket history. It made him a national hero, and his contribution to Indian cricket as a leg-spinner has been immense throughout his career.
Anil Kumble’s Record: Kumble remains one of the most successful bowlers in Test cricket history. This 10-wicket feat is part of his legacy, which also includes being India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests with 619 wickets.
Impact on Indian Cricket: This performance helped elevate the stature of Indian spinners in world cricket. It was a moment of immense pride for Indian cricket and is often remembered as a game-changer.
Global Recognition: Kumble’s achievement earned him recognition as one of the finest spinners ever, and his consistency in both domestic and international cricket earned him respect across the globe.
Jim Laker (England) was the first bowler to take 10 wickets in an innings in a Test match (in 1956 against Australia).
Anil Kumble became the second player to achieve this feat, creating a lasting mark in the history of the game.
Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in Delhi remains a defining moment in cricket, and it continues to inspire generations of spinners, showcasing the artistry and determination needed to achieve such an extraordinary feat.
