Because kumble expected him to be relentless behind the stumps, former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has recalled the intimidating on-field presence of legendary spinner Anil Kumble, revealing that he would sometimes appeal even when he knew a batter was not out simply. Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Dasgupta reflected on his experiences of keeping wickets to Kumble and highlighted the contrast between the former India captain’s personality away from the field and his intense approach during matches.
Kumble, widely regarded as one of India’s greatest match-winners, finished his international career as India’s leading wicket-taker, taking 956 wickets across formats during an 18-year career from 1990 to 2008. Dasgupta, who represented India between 2001 and 2002, played eight Tests and five ODIs. He scored his maiden Test century against England at Mohali in 2001 and later established himself as a cricket commentator and analyst.
But Anil Kumble used to scold me so many times, asking me why I wasn’t appealing,” said Dasgupta. “Off the field, Anil Kumble is a very, very different character. But on the field, he is scary, literally scary. I have gotten scolded by him a lot. For example, I used to believe that I should appeal only when I genuinely felt the batter was out.
