On Thursday, legendary Indian spinner, Anil Kumble is celebrating his 49th birthday and now he is just one short of his golden jubilee. Among wishes pouring in for the former India head coach on social media, Kumble’s former teammate Virender Sehwag won the hearts of many with a sweet tweet.
Taking to Twitter, Sehwag said, “One of India’s greatest ever Match winners and a terrific role model. Sorry for depriving you of your second century @anilkumble1074 bhai. But I pray that you score a century in real life. Only 51 more to go.. come on ..come on Anil Bhai! Happy Birthday”.
One of India’s greatest ever Match winners and a terrific role model. Sorry for depriving you of your second century @anilkumble1074 bhai. But I pray that you score a century in real life. Only 51 more to go.. come on ..come on Anil Bhai ! Happy Birthday pic.twitter.com/P7UnvoLBlU
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 17, 2019
Kumble is India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in the longest format with 619 wickets and has a century to his name in Test cricket as well. He scored an unbeaten knock of 110 runs in a Test against England at The Oval in 2007.
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The former leg-spinner acknowledged Sehwag’s unique birthday wish, writing: “Thanks Viru. You always have a knack of saying.”
Thanks Viru. You always have a knack of saying…😀
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 17, 2019
Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh also joined in the celebration by tweeting: “Greatest spinner ever played the game.. biggest match-winner for India… happy birthday @anilkumble1074 my bowling partner and guru.”
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Recently, Kumble was appointed as the head coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kings XI Punjab. For his new stint, the 49-year-old didn’t shy to seek some help from Harbhajan. He wrote: “Thanks Bhajji. Need some Punjabi lessons from you now,”.
Thanks Bhajji. Need some punjabi lessons from you now. 😄👍🏼
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 17, 2019
KXIP shared a special video on Kumble’s 49th birthday, captioning it as: “On his special day, our Director of Cricket Operations and Head Coach @anilkumble1074 has got a lovely message for all you fans out there.”
On his special day, our Director of Cricket Operations and Head Coach @anilkumble1074 has got a lovely message for all you fans out there. 😍#SaddaPunjab #HappyBirthdayJumbo pic.twitter.com/cHnM75iNA5
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 17, 2019
Former India cricketer, VVS Laxman tweeted, “Wishing you a very special birthday and a wonderful year ahead @anilkumble1074 May God shower you with blessings today and always and I am sure this special day will bring you endless joy and tons of precious memories!”
Wishing you a very special birthday and a wonderful year ahead @anilkumble1074 May God shower you with blessings today and always and I am sure this special day will bring you endless joy and tons of precious memories!🤗🤗🤗 pic.twitter.com/Sun4LaLY6Q
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 17, 2019
Former Indian opener turned politician, Gautam Gambhir also wished Kumble as he wrote: “Birthday wishes to India’s greatest match winner @anilkumble1074! Have learnt so much from you and you are the best leader that I have played under! Thanks for inspiring generations of cricketers”.
Birthday wishes to India’s greatest match winner @anilkumble1074 ! Have learnt so much from you and you are the best leader that I have played under! Thanks for inspiring generations of cricketers. pic.twitter.com/NAM2KeFdtX
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 17, 2019
Kumble claimed 619 wickets in Tests and 337 wickets in ODIs. In June 2016, he was appointed as the head coach of the Indian men’s team by BCCI for a period of one year.