Anil Kumble Biography: Age, Height, Wiki, Family, Salary, Wife & Achievements
Anil Kumble is a legendary Indian cricketer, renowned for his remarkable achievements as a right-arm leg-spin bowler and his pivotal role in Indian cricket history. Celebrated for his exceptional bowling records and leadership, Kumble is one of the most respected sports personalities from Bengaluru, India, and continues to inspire aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Anil Radhakrishna Kumble |
|---|---|
| Profession / Occupation | Cricketer, Cricket Coach, Commentator |
| Birth Date | 17 October 1970 |
| Age | 54 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Famous For | Legendary Leg-Spin Bowling, 10 wickets in an innings |
| Known For | Former Indian Cricket Captain, Coach, Administrator |
| Ethnicity | Kannada |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Height & Weight | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm), 78 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Education | B.E. (Mechanical Engineering), Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering, Bengaluru |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Marital Status / Spouse | Married / Chethana Kumble |
| Children | 2 (Mayas Kumble, Svasti Kumble) |
| Relatives | Ramesh Kumble (Brother) |
| Hobbies | Photography, Wildlife Conservation, Reading |
| Employer / Organization | BCCI, Kings XI Punjab (IPL), ICC |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | INR 70 Crore (approx. $8.5 Million, as of 2025) |
Early Life & Education
Anil Kumble was born on 17 October 1970 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, to Krishna Swamy and Saroja. Raised in a middle-class Kannada family, Kumble developed an early passion for cricket, often playing with his younger brother, Ramesh. He attended Holy Saint English School and National High School in Basavanagudi. Demonstrating both academic excellence and sporting prowess, he pursued a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering, Bengaluru, balancing his studies with a growing commitment to cricket.
Career Journey
Anil Kumble’s illustrious career is marked by dedication, perseverance, and record-breaking performances. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history.
Domestic and Early International Career
Kumble made his first-class debut for Karnataka in 1989. His impressive domestic performances quickly earned him a spot in the Indian national team, making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 1990 and his Test debut against England the same year. His unique bowling style, combining accuracy and subtle variations, soon made him a mainstay in the Indian squad.
Rise to Stardom
The mid-1990s saw Kumble establishing himself as India’s premier spinner. His career-defining moment came in 1999, when he took all ten wickets in a single Test innings against Pakistan at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi—becoming only the second bowler in cricket history to achieve this feat. Over the years, Kumble’s consistency and match-winning performances helped India secure numerous victories at home and abroad.
Captaincy & Coaching
Kumble captained the Indian Test team between 2007 and 2008, leading with dignity and resilience. After retiring in 2008 as India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests (619 wickets), he transitioned into coaching and cricket administration. He served as the head coach of the Indian national team from 2016 to 2017 and has been involved with IPL franchises, notably Kings XI Punjab, and served as Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee.
Personal Life
Anil Kumble is married to Chethana Kumble, and the couple has two children, Mayas and Svasti. He is known for his love of photography and wildlife conservation, often participating in environmental initiatives and supporting various charitable causes. Kumble’s grounded nature and commitment to family and community have made him a respected figure both on and off the field.
Awards & Achievements
- Padma Shri (2005)
- Arjuna Award (1995)
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1996)
- ICC Cricket Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)
- 10 wickets in an innings (Test vs Pakistan, 1999)
- India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests (619 wickets)
- Third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history (as of 2025)
- Former Indian Test Captain
- Numerous Man of the Match and Series Awards
Physical Statistics
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 78 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Body Type | Athletic |
Quotes
- “You don’t play for the crowd, you play for the country.”
- “The hallmark of a great champion is the ability to win when things are not going your way.”
- “Commitment, hard work, and perseverance are the keys to success in any field.”
Controversies
Anil Kumble has largely maintained a clean image throughout his career. However, his resignation as India’s head coach in 2017, reportedly due to differences with captain Virat Kohli, attracted significant media attention. Despite this, Kumble handled the situation with professionalism and dignity, earning widespread respect.
Favorites
- Favorite Cricketer: Kapil Dev
- Favorite Sport: Cricket
- Favorite Food: South Indian Cuisine
- Favorite Book: Autobiographies of sports legends
- Favorite Destination: Wildlife Sanctuaries
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2025, Anil Kumble’s estimated net worth is around INR 70 Crore (approximately $8.5 million). His income sources include BCCI pensions, coaching contracts, IPL roles, commentary, endorsements, and administrative positions in cricket organizations. Reports suggest his annual earnings from various roles range from INR 2–5 crore, depending on assignments and endorsements.
Interesting Facts
- Kumble is only the second bowler in Test cricket to take all 10 wickets in an innings.
- He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- He once bowled with a broken jaw against the West Indies, showcasing immense grit.
- Kumble is an avid wildlife photographer with his works featured in exhibitions.
- He has a cricket academy in Bengaluru to nurture young talent.
Social Media Links
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many wickets did Anil Kumble take in Test cricket?
He took 619 Test wickets, making him India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests. - Who is Anil Kumble’s wife?
Anil Kumble is married to Chethana Kumble. - What is Anil Kumble’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru. - What is Anil Kumble’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around INR 70 Crore (approx. $8.5 million as of 2025). - Which IPL teams has Anil Kumble been associated with?
He has been associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore as a player and Kings XI Punjab as a coach. - What is Anil Kumble famous for?
He is famous for his leg-spin bowling and for taking all 10 wickets in a single Test innings.
Conclusion
Anil Kumble’s journey from a passionate young cricketer in Bengaluru to a global cricket icon is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and leadership. His legacy continues to inspire millions, both on and off the field. If you found this biography informative, please share it with fellow cricket enthusiasts!
Sources:
ESPN Cricinfo,
Wikipedia,
BCCI,
ICC Hall of Fame
