India and West Indies will renew their rivalry in the Test format starting from July 12 with the two teams locking horns in a two-match series in red-ball cricket. Both sides have been involved in some exciting cricket over the years and few players have entered the history books with their record. Anil Kumble is one such player who loved playing against West Indies but one of his acts during the 2002 tour of West Indies left everyone stunned.
The 2002 India tour of the West Indies is etched in cricketing history, particularly the Antigua Test, where the heroic display of the Karnataka stalwart stood out. The match was filled with remarkable performances from both sides, but it was Kumble’s courage and determination that captured the hearts of cricket fans around the world.
India had set a strong foundation in the first innings, with VVS Laxman (130), Ajay Ratra (115) , Rahul Dravid (91) and Wasim Jaffer (86) making significant contributions with the bat, posting 513/9d on board. However, the West Indies responded strongly, amassing a formiddable 629/9d with centuries from Carl Hooper (136), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (136) and Ridley Jacobs (118).
During India’s innings, Kumble suffered a severe blow to his jaw from a bouncer delivered by Mervin Dillon. Despite the injury, the 52-year-old showed incredible resilience and determination. He not only completed his innings but also went on to bowl with a broken jaw in the second innings.
The most unforgettable moment of the match came when the Bengaluru-born cricketer decided to get his jaw bandaged, recognizing the significance of dismissing Brian Lara, the West Indies’ premier batter. With his jaw wired shut and the bandage in place, Kumble took to the field and managed to get Lara out LBW. Remarkably, he would have his bandages tightened on the boundary ropes between overs to continue bowling.
Recalling the incident, Kumble shared an interesting anecdote involving her wife, Chethana Kumble, who did not believe that the Indian bowler would bowl with a broken jaw.
“I told my wife, Chetna 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,” the veteran cricketer said to Jio cinema
The former India captain said that even after breaking his jaw he felt it was his responsibility to get some wickets for the team.
“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. 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. At least I can now go home with the thought that I tried my best,” Kumble concluded .
The Test ended in a draw, and West Indies went on to win the five-match series 2-1 after clinching the fifth and final encounter by 155 runs.
