“I don’t think she even took it seriously…”- Anil Kumble shares memorable story of bowling with a broken jaw vs West Indies

In a remarkable display of courage, former India captain and coach Anil Kumble bowled with a fractured jaw during a 2002 Test match against the West Indies in Antigua. His brave effort is remembered as one of the most inspiring moments in cricket history, reflecting his determination and commitment to the team.

The unforgettable incident remains a highlight of his career, symbolizing true commitment to the game and his team. Despite the injury, he completed 14 overs and even took the wicket of Brian Lara before flying back home.

Reflecting on the moment in 2023, Kumble shared that he had told his wife, Chethana, he would soon return to Bengaluru for surgery. His decision to continue playing despite the pain left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cricketers alike.

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Anil Kumble Talked About His Decision of Playing with Injury:

In the 2002 Antigua Test, after India declared at 513/9, the West Indies responded strongly on a flat pitch. Despite suffering a broken jaw, Anil Kumble chose to bowl, hoping to break through and help India push for victory. Although his effort was courageous, the match ended in a draw as the West Indies posted 629/9 in their first innings before declaring.

He said, “ So, when I went back to the dressing room, I saw Sachin bowling because he was the only guy in the team who could bowl and then Wavell Hinds, I think was playing I don’t remember somebody else was batting. And I thought it was my chance. I have to go and get a couple of wickets.”

He further added, “ If we can get West Indies three or four down, end of day two or three. I think if you can get them out, then maybe, we have a chance to win the game. That was the only thought. So, I told Andrew Leipus – get me out there.”

Anil Kumble had surgery on his jaw and made a quick recovery, joining the Indian team for their England tour just a month later. He played a key role in India’s victory in the triangular series final at Lord’s and was also part of the squad that drew the four-Test series against England 1-1.

Anil Kumble Recalls the Moment of Telling his Decision to his Wife:

Before ending the call, Kumble mentioned to his wife that he planned to bowl despite his injury. She assumed he was joking and didn’t take the comment seriously. In a 2023 interview with JioCinema, as reported by News18, Kumble shared this moment, highlighting her surprise at his decision to step onto the field with a fractured jaw.

He said, “ I told my wife, Chethana and I called her up. When we spoke, I said, look I know I have to come home because I just need surgery. So, she arranged for all of that in Bangalore. And as I dropped off the call, I just told her that look I’ll go and bowl, but she thought probably I was just joking. I don’t think she even took it seriously.”

With his jaw tightly bandaged, Kumble returned to bowl during the West Indies' first innings and managed to trap Brian Lara lbw for just four runs. West Indies great Sir Viv Richards later praised the act, calling it one of the most courageous moments he had witnessed on a cricket field, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.