As far as ODIs are concerned, Kumble stands at the top of the list by a long way even if Harbhajan Singh has made rapid strides in the last few years.

His overall figures are quite remarkable – 337 wickets from 271 matches at an average fractionally under 31, a strike rate of 43 and an economy rate of 4.3 with eight four wicket hauls and two five wicket hauls – and compare favourably with the best in the business. He is the leading Indian wicket taker, comfortably ahead of the second placed Javagal Srinath who retired with 315 scalps.

Moreover, Kumble’s bowling was suited to one day cricket. His hallmarks were accuracy, subtle changes of spin and pace, an awkward bounce, the ball skidding off the pitch and it was always on the cards that Kumble would be very successful in the shorter version of the game.

In Test cricket, the competition is stiffer – Subash Gupte, Vinoo Mankad, Bishen Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, BS Chandrasekhar – the list of outstanding Indian spin bowlers seems endless. But Kumble compares favourably with the greats – a fact underlined by his excellent figures – 547 wickets from 113 Tests at an average of 28.65 and a strike rate of a little over 65. Read more