Anil Kumble reveals what inspired him to bowl against West Indies with broken jaw

India and West Indies have indulged in some intense cricketing fights among themselves in the past. There have also been instances of players rendering their services for the country despite being battered in pain.

One popular example of such great sportsmanship is legendry spinner Anil Kumble. The leg spinner once refused to remain in the dressing room. He even bowled with a bandaged face and a broken jaw.

The incident took place in a Test played at Antigua in 2002 which eventually ended in a draw.

Batting at No. 7, Kumble was struck by a fierce bouncer from speedster Mervyn Dillon. He spat blood and looked in immense pain following the blow. However, he stood tall and continued to bat.

Such was his dedication to Indian cricket that the great cricketer even turned up to bowl despite the pain with bandage in his broken jaw.

During one interview Kumble has recently revealed he felt it was his duty to make some inroads for the team, especially with Sachin Tendulkar being the lone spinner excluding him.

Kumble flew back to Bangalore the following day for surgery. 

“At least I can now go home with the thought that I tried my best,” the legendry spinner said at that time.

“When I went back to the dressing room, I saw Sachin bowling because he was the only guy in the team who could bowl spin at that time. 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 at the end of day two or three, then maybe, we have a chance to win the game. That was the only thought,” said Kumble.