'I don’t think she even took it seriously' - Anil Kumble recalls why he bowled with a broken jaw in 2002 West Indies series

Anil Kumble had a terrible yet special recollection from his career's India vs West Indies match. India's great leg spinner stated that he decided to return home after sustaining a broken jaw against the West Indies in 2002. He claimed that he opted to play the next day, surprising his wife, Chetana.

He was hit in the jaw by a bouncer from West Indies fast bowler Mervyn Dillon in Antigua. With a bandage wrapped over his head, the experienced spinner bowled 14 straight overs, picking up the wicket of Brian Lara. He never let Brain Lara settle in the game and he was sent back after scoring just 4 runs.

I just told her that look I will go and bowl: Anil Kumble

Kumble has now admitted that his wife did not believe him and that he was making up the event. Former Indian test captain Anil Kumble said, "I told my wife (Chetana) 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 will go and bowl, but she thought probably I was just joking. I don’t think she even took it seriously. What’s he saying?"

During the interview, the former Indian Test captain stated that he believed it was his responsibility to create some breakthroughs for the team, especially because Sachin Tendulkar was the lone spinner excluding him from that team. He further stated, "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."

The veteran spinner said, "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."