When Anil Kumble captured ‘perfect 10’ against Pakistan

Anil Kumble’s historic 10/74 against Pakistan on February 7, 1999, occurred during a high-stakes Test series where India sought redemption after losing the first match in Chennai. 

The Feroz Shah Kotla pitch offered significant turn, aiding Kumble’s leg-spin variations. Pakistan’s chase of 420 began strongly with a 101-run opening partnership between Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar before Kumble dismantled their lineup with precise bounce and subtle leg-breaks. His spell included four lbw dismissals and three catches behind the wicket, showcasing his tactical dominance.

Legacy in cricket history

Kumble became the second bowler after England’s Jim Laker (1956) to take all ten wickets in a Test innings. While Laker’s feat came on a rain-affected Manchester pitch favoring off-spin, Kumble achieved his milestone on a dry Delhi surface tailored for leg-spin. The record stood unchallenged until New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel replicated it in 2021. Kumble’s 10-wicket haul remains unmatched in India-Pakistan Tests and solidified his reputation as a match-winner under pressure.

Technical mastery and tactical nuances

Kumble’s bowling relied on relentless accuracy rather than sharp turn. He exploited uneven bounce at Kotla, using faster arm balls and top-spinners to trap batsmen on the back foot. Key dismissals included Shahid Afridi’s caught-behind off a googly and Wasim Akram’s lbw to seal the tenth wicket. 

Former players noted his ability to maintain a tight line outside off-stump, forcing errors from Pakistan’s middle order. His economy rate of 2.79 underscored controlled aggression.

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National pride

The achievement became a defining moment in Indian cricket history, celebrated as a triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan. Crowds at Kotla chanted “Kumble! Kumble!” during his spell, while media outlets hailed it as a ‘spin masterclass’. The BCCI later renamed Kotla’s pavilion in his honor. 

Career trajectory

Kumble recalled remembering every wicket vividly even two decades later. Post-retirement, he described the feat as “destiny,” emphasizing its role in cementing his leadership credentials ahead of his eventual captaincy. The match also highlighted Sadagoppan Ramesh’s contributions (96 in second innings), though Kumble’s performance overshadowed others. His 14-wicket match haul (including four in the first innings) remains a career highlight.