Jumbo Performances - Top 10 Test bowling performances of Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble has undoubtedly been the biggest match winner in India’s Test cricket history. He has given several memorable performances in the Test arena over the years. While the general cricket public, and in particular the Indian ones, talk highly of his 10 wicket performance against Pakistan in Delhi in 1999, there are myriad other performances Kumble delivered over the years which resulted in many memorable victories and great results for India. This list is an attempt towards ranking his 10 best performances in the Test arena.

The ranking parameters which have been used to rank the individual bowling performances are the following:

1. Impact of performance on the match and the series

2. Quality of opposition’s batting line-up

3. Quality of the wickets taken

4. Nature of the track

 # 10: 6/53 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 1992

Anil Kumble vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 1992

South Africa had taken a lead of 65 runs in the first innings and were on a mission to score quick runs in their second innings to give enough time to their bowlers to bowl India out. However they were choked  on the fourth day by Kumble’s bowling and could never break free.

Kumble clean bowled six South African bastmen as they were unable to face his fast top spin deliveries coming out of the rough. He gave away only 53 runs in 44 overs, as South Arica were bowled out for 252 in 118 overs. India batted out the 82 overs left on the last day and saved the Test match.