Hero Cup Triumph: India’s Redemption at Eden Gardens

The CAB Jubilee Tournament, later branded as the Hero Cup, secured sponsorship from Hero, yet this initial success was quickly overshadowed by a series of complications. The first blow came when Pakistan withdrew from the tournament, citing security concerns. This reduced the competition to a five-nation contest featuring hosts India alongside West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The tournament’s structure, however, was perplexing—ten league matches merely to eliminate one team before proceeding to the semi-finals and final. Yet, a historic milestone was set, as the last three matches were scheduled to be the first played under floodlights at Eden Gardens.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, the mastermind behind the Hero Cup, soon found himself embroiled in a deeper battle—one that transcended the boundary ropes and entered the realm of broadcasting rights. On March 15 of that year, CAB sent a letter to the Director-General of Doordarshan, India’s state-run broadcaster, which had long enjoyed an unchallenged monopoly over the telecast of cricket matches in the country. In an era when the BCCI had once paid Doordarshan to air matches, a seismic shift was underway.

The emergence of private broadcasters, spearheaded by Star, brought a new dimension to the equation. CAB awarded the exclusive telecast rights of the Hero Cup to Trans World International (TWI), an international broadcasting company that outbid Doordarshan with an offer that was significantly more lucrative. While Doordarshan’s bid stood at a mere INR 10 million, TWI guaranteed a minimum of INR 17.6 million along with 70% of the gross revenue. Even after factoring in an INR 1.5 million payment to VSNL for facilitating satellite transmissions via Intelsat, the deal was financially irrefutable.

Doordarshan, however, was not prepared to relinquish its stronghold without a fight. In a retaliatory move, the state broadcaster declared that it would not telecast the matches across India. This decision had immediate repercussions: when India faced Sri Lanka at Kanpur, advertising within the stadium dwindled, resulting in significant financial losses for CAB. Desperate to salvage the situation, CAB urged Doordarshan to broadcast the tournament, only to be met with a counter-demand—a steep INR 0.5 million per match.

The crisis deepened when TWI’s equipment was seized at Bombay Customs under the pretext of lacking requisite government permissions. As a result, the highly anticipated clash between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Wankhede went unseen by the masses. The disruptions persisted as TWI’s crew was barred from broadcasting South Africa’s encounter with Zimbabwe at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Public interest, already dampened by Pakistan’s withdrawal, suffered further due to the initial lack of telecast. However, a flicker of excitement was reignited when South Africa and West Indies, arguably the two strongest teams on paper, engaged in a riveting contest where Jonty Rhodes' spectacular five catches stunned the Caribbean giants.

Yet, controversy continued to mar the tournament. When India faced West Indies at Motera, the hosts collapsed for a paltry 100 in response to West Indies’ 202 for 7. Frustration among the Ahmedabad crowd escalated to such an extent that play was halted for 40 minutes. Mohammad Azharuddin later remarked that it was “the worst crowd I have ever seen.”

Indore provided another dramatic moment when India and Zimbabwe played out a thrilling tie marred by chaotic scenes. However, the tournament largely remained devoid of consistently competitive cricket, with matches often leaning towards one-sided affairs. Despite media-fueled hype, public enthusiasm remained inconsistent. That was until an unforgettable night at Eden Gardens, where India clashed with South Africa in a pulsating contest that recaptured the nation’s imagination. The stage was then set for a grand finale against the West Indies, still regarded as the finest team in the world. In the end, amid all the off-field turmoil, the Hero Cup delivered a dramatic climax, cementing its place in cricketing folklore.

 A Masterclass in Indian Domination

The final at Eden Gardens was expected to be a fierce contest, with the West Indies carrying the weight of favouritism. But cricket, ever the great equalizer, had its own narrative. India outclassed the Caribbean side with a staggering margin of 102 runs, a testament to their supremacy. Richie Richardson, graceful in defeat, could offer little protest. India had simply outplayed the West Indies in every department.

From the very outset, there had been murmurs—was it time to drop Kapil Dev? Had Sachin Tendulkar, prodigious yet inconsistent, become a liability? Could Ajay Jadeja handle the pressures of international cricket? Did Vinod Kambli possess the technique to withstand the thunderbolts of the West Indian pace attack? Every question found its emphatic answer under the gaze of 90,000 roaring spectators and millions glued to their television screens. Kapil, Tendulkar, Jadeja, and Kambli played pivotal roles in scripting India’s triumph.

The Kumble Hurricane

If one moment encapsulated the final, it was Anil Kumble’s spell—a bewitching display of leg-spin that left the West Indies in ruins. His figures, 6 for 12 in just four overs, were not just extraordinary but transformative. In a mere 24 balls, he spun a web of deception, dismantling the opposition with clinical precision. The West Indians, historically vulnerable against spin, found themselves ensnared yet again, despite Richardson’s persistent assertion that their frailty against the turning ball was a mere “myth.”

The Crucial Turning Point: The Roland Holder Controversy

Yet, amid the heroics, controversy lingered. Roland Holder’s dismissal became a subject of heated debate. Television replays confirmed he was bowled, yet his departure carried an air of ambiguity. The West Indies sought intervention, but Bishan Singh Bedi, the adjudicator, refused to reconsider the decision. The International Cricket Council Chairman, Clyde Walcott, upheld the verdict. Richardson later pointed to this moment as the game’s turning point, but in truth, the collapse had already begun. Holder’s exit merely hastened the inevitable as Kumble ran riot through the lower order.

The Art of Building an Innings

Before the carnage, India’s batting had laid the foundation for an authoritative total. The start was wobbly, but Jadeja and Kambli stitched together a crucial partnership, steering the innings from 161 for two to a precarious 161 for five. A moment of brilliance from Curtly Ambrose—an instinctive kick onto the stumps—cut short Kambli’s fluent 68. Shortly after, Azharuddin perished attempting an audacious steer, followed by Pravin Amre’s departure in quick succession. A promising innings was at risk of unravelling.

It was then that experience and youthful audacity combined. Kapil Dev and Tendulkar, both under scrutiny, rose to the occasion with a vital 46-run stand. Their partnership not only steadied the innings but provided the launchpad for a defendable target on a sluggish wicket. Kambli’s audacious stroke play, Jadeja’s calculated aggression, and Azharuddin’s finesse—including a sublime cut off Phil Simmons—underscored India’s tactical acumen.

The Bowling Symphony

When the West Indies began their chase, the Indian bowlers delivered in unison. Manoj Prabhakar struck early, removing Simmons in the very first over. The Caribbean innings, though dented, found resilience in Richardson and Brian Lara’s partnership. As the duo threatened to shift momentum, it was Tendulkar—already a hero from the semifinal’s final over—who prised out Lara, breaking the crucial stand. Richardson, growing in stature with every stroke, appeared to be the last bastion of hope, until Kapil Dev, with his characteristic guile, engineered a collapse. Arthurton was trapped in front, and Richardson was deceived by the slower ball. With the lower order exposed, Kumble’s magic unfolded, and within moments, the contest was over.

A Celebration Like No Other

As the final wicket fell, Eden Gardens erupted into a carnival of lights, bonfires, and euphoric celebrations. For two consecutive nights, the historic venue had witnessed cricket in its most dramatic form, and now, as the final chapter concluded, the air was thick with the scent of victory.

The journey to the trophy had been turbulent—two wins, a loss, and a tied game in the group stage reflected India’s inconsistency. But when it mattered most, the team peaked. Ajit Wadekar, the quiet architect of India’s resurgence, had his moment of fulfilment. As the celebrations swirled around him, he remained pragmatic. “This is just the beginning,” he mused, already looking ahead to the next challenge against Sri Lanka. 

Ajit Wadekar stood that night with a quiet sense of triumph, his broad smile a reflection of vindication. Every decision he had made, every call he had taken, had come to fruition. Against prevailing scepticism, he had backed the very team that had faltered in Sri Lanka’s one-day series. As Mohammed Azharuddin lifted the Hero Cup under the floodlit Kolkata sky, it was evident that Wadekar’s ability to extract the best from his players had orchestrated this resounding success.

The cricket manager, bat in one hand and ball in another, would return to his role of a perfectionist, ensuring India’s fielding—the only chink in the armour—was sharpened for future battles.

For now, though, the Hero Cup belonged to India, and Kolkata had its fairytale night.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Anil Kumble: The Architect of Indian Triumphs and the Embodiment of Resilience

In the grand theatre of Indian cricket, where Sachin Tendulkar embodied the aspirations of a billion with his bat, Anil Kumble stood as the unwavering sentinel of India’s bowling attack. His craft was not one of extravagant spin or mystical guile but of precision, resilience, and an indomitable will to conquer. If there was ever a moment that encapsulated his stature, it was his staggering 10-wicket haul against Pakistan at Delhi in 1999—a feat as rare as it was poetic. 

That match was no ordinary contest; it was a narrative laden with tension, history, and the weight of past encounters. Chasing an improbable 420, Pakistan found themselves in a position of defiance at 101 for no loss, with Shahid Afridi’s unshackled aggression complementing Saeed Anwar’s silken strokeplay. They seemed to be scripting yet another chapter in their long tradition of successful chases against India. But then entered Kumble, relentless and remorseless, turning the tide in a manner befitting a champion. 

What followed was nothing short of a one-man demolition job. Throughout 18.2 overs, Kumble dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up, reducing them to 207 all out. The sequence was stunning in its inevitability—like a master craftsman, Kumble meticulously worked through each batsman, adjusting his pace and trajectory, forcing errors, and creating chaos. When Wasim Akram nicked behind to give Kumble his tenth wicket, Feroz Shah Kotla erupted in sheer ecstasy. India had conquered Pakistan not just in cricketing terms but in the psychological battle that had long defined their encounters. The scars of the heartbreaking defeat at Chennai in the previous Test were still raw, but Kumble’s spell was more than mere vengeance—it was an assertion of dominance. 

Early Career and Debut

Anil Kumble made his first-class debut for Karnataka against Hyderabad on November 30, 1989, marking the beginning of his journey in Indian cricket. Despite taking four wickets in the match, Kumble's debut was marred by the rare feat of bagging a "king pair" — being dismissed for a duck in both innings. However, this did not deter his confidence, and he was soon selected to play for India Under-19s against Pakistan Under-19s. Kumble showcased his all-round skills in this series, scoring a century (113) in the first Test and another valuable knock of 76 in the second.

Kumble's ODI debut came in the 1990 Austral-Asia Cup against Sri Lanka at Sharjah on April 25. He played a significant role in India’s successful campaign in the tournament, taking wickets in his second match against Pakistan. His ODI career began with a promising start, setting the stage for more notable performances in the years that followed.

Kumble's Test debut came in 1990 during India’s tour of England. In the second Test at Manchester, he managed to take 3 wickets for 105 runs in the first innings, but the match ended in a draw. His first Test series did not see him take many wickets, but it was clear that he had the potential to make an impact in the future.

Irani Trophy and Performance in 1992

Kumble’s breakthrough came in the 1992 Irani Trophy, where he took 13 wickets for 138 runs, playing for the Rest of India against Delhi. This exceptional performance helped him secure a spot in the Indian squad for the 1992 tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe. During the tour of South Africa, Kumble displayed his bowling prowess, taking 8 wickets in the second Test. He ended the series with 18 wickets, finishing with an impressive average of 25.94 and an economy rate of 1.84, establishing himself as one of the top spinners in the world.

Dominance Against England in 1993

In 1993, when England toured India, Kumble's contributions were pivotal in India's success. He took 21 wickets in three Tests at an average of 19.8. In the third Test at Bombay, Kumble’s brilliant spell of 7 wickets for 165 runs played a crucial role in India’s victory by an innings and 15 runs, earning him the Man of the Match award.

A Different Kind of Leg-Spinner

Anil Kumble was a right-arm leg-spinner known for his unorthodox style. Unlike traditional leg-spinners, Kumble did not rely heavily on turning the ball but instead utilized variations in pace, bounce, and length. His most famous delivery was the "flipper," a faster ball that went straight on with the arm. Kumble’s bowling technique was influenced by the matting pitches in Bangalore, which helped him develop skills in top-spin and over-spin. His ability to bowl fast and with accuracy made him unique among other leg spinners like Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.

Resilience and Tenacity

Kumble's hallmark was his resilience and relentless desire to bowl long spells, often bowling tirelessly for hours. He once bowled 72 overs in a Test innings, a testament to his stamina and mental toughness. Kumble’s determination was also evident when he played through injury. A famous instance occurred in 2002 during a Test match against the West Indies in Antigua. Despite suffering a fractured jaw after being hit by a delivery from Mervyn Dillon, Kumble returned to bowl and dismissed Brian Lara, showcasing his unwavering resolve.

Kumble's Records and Achievements

5-Wicket Hauls and Caught-and-Bowled Record

Anil Kumble's career is littered with exceptional performances, including more than 30 five-wicket hauls in Test matches, which places him among the elite bowlers in cricket history. Alongside Richard Hadlee, Shane Warne, and Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumble holds the distinction of being one of only four bowlers to achieve this feat. Furthermore, he set a world record for the most caught-and-bowled dismissals in Tests, with 35 such dismissals, accounting for 5.65% of his total wickets.

Fastest to 50 and 100 Wickets

Kumble was one of the fastest Indian bowlers to reach 50 Test wickets, achieving this milestone in just 10 matches. He reached 100 Test wickets in 21 matches, making him the second-fastest Indian bowler after Erapalli Prasanna.

ODI Success

Kumble’s ODI career was also marked by several memorable performances. On November 27, 1993, he recorded his best-ever ODI figures of 6 wickets for 12 runs against the West Indies in the Hero Cup final, a record that stood for years as the best ODI bowling performance by an Indian. His ODI success was further highlighted by his performance in the 1996 World Cup, where he was the leading wicket-taker for India with 15 wickets, playing a key role in India’s successful run to the semifinals.

Iconic Performances

The 10-Wicket Haul

Kumble's most iconic performance came on February 7, 1999, when he became the second player in history (after Jim Laker) to take all 10 wickets in a single Test innings. This remarkable feat occurred during the second Test against Pakistan in Delhi, where Kumble finished with figures of 10 for 74. His achievement was widely praised and is considered one of the best bowling performances in cricket history. Wisden rated it as the second-best bowling performance of all time, a rare distinction.

Milestone 600 Test Wickets

On January 17, 2008, Kumble reached another career milestone when he became the first Indian bowler and only the third in history to take 600 Test wickets. This milestone came during the third Test against Australia at WACA, Perth, when he dismissed Andrew Symonds. Kumble’s 600th Test wicket further solidified his place among the greatest bowlers to have ever played the game.

Becoming Test Captain

In November 2007, Kumble was appointed the captain of the Indian Test team, following Rahul Dravid's resignation. Kumble made history as the only leg-spinner to have captained India in Test cricket. His leadership began with a 1-0 series victory over Pakistan at home, where his contributions with the ball remained significant.

Captaining India to Historic Wins

Kumble's leadership was marked by several memorable moments, including leading India to a historic series win in the West Indies in 2006, where he took 6 wickets for 78 runs in the final Test, guiding India to victory. He also became the second Indian, after Kapil Dev, to surpass the 400-wicket mark in Tests in 2004.

In 2007, Kumble announced his retirement from ODIs after India’s early exit from the 2007 World Cup. He continued to play Test cricket and in 2008, Kumble scored his maiden Test century, an unbeaten 110 against England at The Oval. This achievement made him the only player in cricket history to have both taken all 10 wickets in an innings and scored a Test century.

Kumble retired from international cricket in 2008, having played 132 Test matches and 271 ODIs. He ended his career as the highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, with 619 wickets. His achievements remain unparalleled, with his 600 Test wickets being a landmark in the history of the game.

Beyond Cricket: The Administrator and Visionary

As he moved beyond the boundary ropes, Kumble embarked on a different journey—one of administration and governance. His appointment as Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee was not just ceremonial; it was a reflection of his integrity, intellect, and understanding of the game.

From being India’s premier match-winner to shaping the future of the sport, Kumble’s legacy transcends statistics. He was never the most flamboyant cricketer, nor did he revel in theatrics. He was, in essence, a craftsman—a relentless worker who forged triumphs through sheer will. And as he continues his tryst with cricket in new capacities, one thing remains certain—his story, like his bowling, will always find a way to make an impact.

Kumble’s Enduring Legacy

Anil Kumble’s career is defined by his exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and immense contributions to Indian cricket. He was a master of his craft, whose subtle variations, accuracy, and resilience earned him the admiration of cricket fans and players alike. His feats, including his 10-wicket haul, 600 Test wickets, and leadership, have etched his name into cricketing folklore. Kumble remains a benchmark for future generations of bowlers, and his legacy as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history continues to inspire players around the world.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Anil Kumble’s Historic Ten-Wicket Haul: A Masterclass in Leg-Spin

Cricket is a game of moments—fleeting yet eternal, etched in history by acts of brilliance that defy probability. On February 7, 1999, at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, Anil Kumble orchestrated one such moment, inscribing his name alongside England’s Jim Laker as only the second bowler to claim all ten wickets in a Test innings. His figures of 10 for 74 in Pakistan’s second innings were the stuff of legend, a testament to relentless accuracy, unwavering resolve, and the intricate artistry of leg-spin bowling. 

This was more than just a personal milestone; it was a victory of immense significance for India. Not since the 1979-80 series had India triumphed over Pakistan in a Test match, and the win in Delhi allowed them to square the series. Yet, despite the broader context, it was Kumble’s spellbinding performance that dominated the narrative, transforming a routine Test match into an immortal chapter of cricketing folklore. 

The Setup: A Battle on a Treacherous Pitch 

The match itself unfolded on a pitch scarred by past events—vandalism by fundamentalists a month earlier had necessitated hasty repairs, leaving the surface unpredictable. Batting was a challenge, but India made the most of their first use of the wicket, posting 252 in their first innings, aided by Pakistan’s generosity in the field—four crucial catches went down, three of them reprieving India's top scorers. Kumble had already sensed the pitch's potential, teasing out hints of grip and turn that would later fuel his historic rampage. 

Pakistan’s reply was modest, a mere 172, with Kumble already exerting his influence. But India’s second innings ensured the visitors were left with a near-impossible target of 420. Opener Sadagoppan Ramesh’s composed 96 and a crucial 100-run stand between Sourav Ganguly and Javagal Srinath allowed India to stretch their lead significantly. Wasim Akram briefly stole the limelight by surpassing Imran Khan’s record of 362 Test wickets for Pakistan, but his milestone was soon eclipsed by the looming storm that was Kumble. 

The Collapse: Kumble’s Spell of a Lifetime 

Pakistan, needing only a draw to win the series, had started with promise. Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi negotiated the early overs effectively, guiding Pakistan to 101 without loss. The chase, however, was never a realistic prospect; survival was the goal. But survival, on this day, was an impossible dream. 

Kumble had bowled six wicketless overs in the morning, operating from the Football Stand End. It was after lunch, from the Pavilion End, that the magic began. 

Afridi was the first to go, caught behind attempting a hesitant dab outside off-stump. His reluctance to depart was evident, lingering in protest at what he deemed an erroneous decision by home umpire Jayaprakash. But there was no reprieve, and Pakistan’s collapse had begun. 

Ijaz Ahmed followed immediately, trapping lbw on the front foot. Inzamam-ul-Haq averted the hat-trick but soon succumbed, dragging an inside edge onto his stumps. In quick succession, Yousuf Youhana (lbw), Moin Khan (caught low in the slips), and Anwar (bat-pad at short leg) perished, reducing Pakistan to a dire 128 for six. In the span of 44 balls, Kumble had taken six wickets for just 15 runs. It was at this moment that he dared to believe in the improbable—taking all ten wickets in an innings. 

The dream, however, encountered resistance. Salim Malik and Wasim Akram held firm, stitching together a 58-run partnership that threatened to deny Kumble his place in history. But patience and persistence are the virtues of a great leg-spinner, and Kumble had both in abundance. 

The breakthrough came after tea. Malik, attempting a pull, misjudged the bounce and lost his stumps. Mushtaq Ahmed fended a rising delivery to gully. Saqlain Mushtaq was pinned lbw next ball, leaving just one wicket between Kumble and Eternity. 

Azharuddin, India’s captain, sensed history in the making and privately instructed Srinath to avoid taking a wicket, ensuring Kumble had every chance to claim the final scalp. The script played out perfectly. Wasim Akram, having defied India for 90 minutes, finally succumbed, top-edging a short-leg catch to VVS Laxman. The moment had arrived. Kumble, arms aloft, was swarmed by his teammates and carried off the field, the hero of an unforgettable day. 

Reflections: A Legacy Cemented 

Kumble, ever the humble statesman, downplayed his achievement. "No one dreams of taking ten wickets in an innings, because you can't," he admitted. Yet, he had done the impossible, executing his craft with precision on a deteriorating surface. He acknowledged the conditions had aided his cause—the variable bounce made pulling and cutting treacherous—but ultimately, it was his skill and consistency that had overwhelmed Pakistan’s batting. 

Even as Kumble basked in the adulation, another figure in the stands bore witness to a rare déjà vu. Richard Stokes, an English businessman, had seen Jim Laker claim all ten wickets at Old Trafford in 1956. Fate had conspired to gift him another slice of cricketing history—this time on his birthday. 

 For Indian cricket, the match was more than just a victory; it was a symbol of resilience, a reminder of the magic the sport can produce. And for Kumble, it was the defining moment of a career that would ultimately cement his place among the greatest spinners the game has ever known.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar