AK-47 of Indian cricket: Anil Kumble gets jumbo wishes on 47th birthday

Anil Kumble, who resigned as Indian cricket team coach a few months back, turned 47 on Tuesday. He was wished on the occasion by several former teammates including Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. One fan referred him as ‘AK-47’ on his 47th birthday

Anil Kumble, former Indian cricket team captain and coach, turned 47 on Tuesday. Nicknamed ‘Jumbo’, Kumble got special wishes from former teammates and players as well as fans on the occasion.

Anil Kumble, former Indian cricket team captain and coach, celebrated hi 47th birthday on Tuesday. (PTI)

Kumble is India’s highest wicket-taker in both Tests (619) and ODIs (337). He is only the second bowler in the world to take 10 wickets in an innings after Jim Laker. He achieved the feat against Pakistan in New Delhi in 1999.

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On 2007, Kumble became the skipper of the Indian Test team. After retiring from Test cricket in 2008, Kumble was involved with the Karnataka State Cricket Association as President.

In 2016, he became the coach of the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team. Kumble’s tenure saw India defeat New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia in Tests at home and West Indies in an overseas series. In ODIs, India reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy under Kumble.

However, his term came to an end after the title clash with Kumble resigning saying that his relationship with Kohli has become ‘untenable’.

Kumble’s former teammates including Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, VVS Laxman and Rohit Sharma along with numerous fans wished him on his birthday. Even Adam Gilchrist wished him on the occasion.

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One fan refereed the occasion of Kumble celebrating his 47th birthday as ‘AK-47,’ which is the name of a particular type of assault rifle.