He is not he conventional leg spinner in the Shane Warne mould. Nor has he taken over 500 wickets like the other two world-class spinners (Warne and Murali). But with his limited talent and immense determination, Anil Kumble has made a mark in international cricket. When he arrived on the scene in 1990, not many had given him much of a chance of succeeding in international cricket. But against all odds, 'Jumbo' as he is better known, has gone on to become only the 2nd Indian to join the 400-wicket club.

Accuracy has been Kumble's main weapon during the last decade in which he has led India to many a victory at home on the bouncy, turning tracks. Despite being a spinner, he never really turns the ball much. As such, opposition batsmen play him more like a medium pacer overseas. This is one of the main reasons why he hasn't succeeded much away from the sub continent. But all that changed during their recent tour to Australia earlier this year as Kumble ended up being the highest wicket taker on either side with 24 scalps. To be a bit fair to Kumble, the batsmen have always struggled to score runs abroad and so he never really got to bowl with attacking fieldsmen away from India. Once the batsmen put up a decent total on the board, as they often did in the series down under, Kumble was a changed bowler as he troubled the Aussies even in their home conditions.

Those who have seen Kumble bowl over the past few years will tell you that this cricketer will always try his best no matter what the match situation is. However bowling non-stop day in and day out finally took its toll on Kumble as he had to undergo a major soldier operation. At one stage it seemed, this dangerous injury might bring an abrupt end to Kumble's career, the same feeling that was going around when Warne had his shoulder surgery. But the fighter that Kumble is, the leg spinner made a comeback and though Harbhajan has been the preferred spinner for some time now, one can never ignore Kumble. His determination and guts came to the fore once again when he bowled with a broken jaw in the West Indies a couple of seasons back. India could not pull of a victory but Kumble's heroics made him rise even higher in the eyes of the cricketing fraternity.

The biggest achievement for Kumble, though, undoubtedly has to be that ten-wicket haul he captured against Pakistan at the Ferozshah Kotla. They say cricket is a team sport and a one-man show cannot win you matches. But on 7th February 1999, Kumble showed that on your day you can do the almost impossible things, something one can only dream of. This performance came at the back of India's infamous loss at Chennai, just what India needed to lift their spirits. Ironically, Kumble did not pick up any wickets in the next game. The phrase, cricket is a great leveler was certainly proved right here.

It also sums up the roller-coaster ride Kumble has had in international cricket. Being dropped and then staging a comeback is never easy. But the big-hearted cricketer had overcome one hurdle after another and today is one of the most respected cricketers in the world.

His abysmal record overseas may go against him being classified among the all time greats. But for Indian cricket, he has undoubtedly been a great servant. One who never backed away from any challenge and gave his 100% every time he had the ball in hand.