Anil Kumble reveals this player could have spoilt his monumental 10-wicket haul

Its been nearly 21 years since Anil Kumble's iconic and monumental ten-wicket haul against Pakistan, becoming the second cricketer in the world after Jim Laker to achieve the rare feat. Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble recently recounted the moment with former Test teammate VVS Laxman and spilled the beans on, what could have been a spoiler, to Anil Kumble's feat. It wasn't easy for India to rattle the Pakistani batting order as Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi had gotten off the visitors to a flying start. However, Anil Kumble's magic with the ball saw the Pakistan line-up spin out of luck and wickets, finally handing India a 212- run victory at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. 

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Anil Kumble makes a huge revelation 

While interacting with VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble revealed how erstwhile teammate Sadagopan Ramesh had nearly spoilt the spinner's moment by almost taking a catch off Javgal Srinath's delivery. Explaining in detail to Laxman, Anil Kumble said that the team had agreed to allow Kumble to complete his ten-wicket haul after he had gotten rid of the ninth Pakistani batsman. However, Anil Kumble's heart almost sank when Sadagopan Ramesh had forgotten the team's plan and had almost taken the catch. Minutes later, Anil Kumble got rid of Wasim Akram and etched his name in the records of Test cricket thereafter. 

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The 10 wicket-haul

The iconic Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium in Delhi bore witness to this tremendous feat. It happened during the second Test of the series between the arch-rivals. India was already trailing 1-0 and were desperate to bounce back. The hosts got off the right note by posting 252 runs in the first innings. The Indian bowlers did exceptionally well to bundle out Pakistan for 172 runs. India came and batted out the entire third day to post a target for 420 for the visitors. However, Anil Kumble was in no mood to rest as he stepped into the action immediately after lunch. The Indian bowler claimed 10 wickets in the second innings, giving away only 74 runs. By doing so, he became only the second player after Jim Laker to achieve that feat.

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