Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
“A warrior. A legend. An inspiration.”
Gautam Gambhir did not need many words to sum up what Anil Kumble meant to Indian cricket. As the former India captain turned 56 on Saturday, Gambhir’s birthday wish brought back memories of two cricketers who built their careers on an uncompromising willingness to fight for the team.
“Happy Birthday, Anil Bhai!” Gambhir wrote on X, tagging the former India spinner.
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Kumble responded warmly to the India head coach. “Thanks GG. All the best for today and beyond. Best wishes,” he replied.
The word ‘warrior’ was particularly fitting for Kumble, whose career was defined by his willingness to push through pain. In 2002, during India’s tour of the West Indies, the leg-spinner returned to the field against the hosts in Antigua despite suffering a fractured jaw. With his face bandaged, Kumble bowled 14 overs and dismissed Brian Lara, refusing to let the injury keep him away from the contest.
That determination was a defining feature of Kumble’s career. He finished with 619 Test wickets, the most by an Indian bowler in the format, and famously claimed all 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in Delhi in 1999.
Gambhir, too, built his reputation on a fiercely competitive approach. The former opener was never one to shy away from a battle, whether at the crease or in the field. He played six Tests under Kumble’s captaincy during the 2007-08 period, averaging 50.83. His double century against Australia in New Delhi in October 2008 was among the highlights of that phase.
The two played 19 Tests together for India, sharing a dressing room during a period in which the team was becoming increasingly formidable in the longest format.
Gambhir went on to play crucial roles in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs before moving into coaching. He is now in charge of the Indian men’s team.
Years after their playing days, Gambhir’s birthday message was a reminder of the respect he holds for a former teammate whose fighting spirit helped define an era of Indian cricket.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
