Hailed as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history, Anil Kumble’s contribution to the sport remains unparalleled. Though not a great turner of the cricket ball, Kumble picked up a staggering 619 wickets in his illustrious Test career listing himself as the third highest wicket-taker of all time.
Apart from his exceptional qualities as a cricketer, the Bengaluru-born cricketer is a man of high morals. Being a perfect ambassador of the ‘gentleman’s game, Anil Kumble has always redefined class on and off the field. And of course, he definitely knows a thing or two about being humble.
While we can go on praising this man without a pause, a fan got a first-hand experience of Anil Kumble’s gentle character.
A female fan named Sohini came across Kumble in her flight from Bangalore to Mumbai. She immediately took to Twitter to share the special moment. In her tweets, she mentioned how a glance at the man took her back to a match between India and the West Indies where the legendary leggie bowled with a bandaged jaw.
The legendary @anilkumble1074 in my BLR-MUM flight. Glanced at him once and was reminded of that game in West Indies where he bowled with a bandaged jaw. Teared up a bit. Gawwddd, I'm such a sucker for cricket memories. ðŸ˜
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) October 9, 2018
She went on to express her desire to go up to the former cricketer and thank her for being an extraordinary server to Indian cricket.
I want to go up to @anilkumble1074 and say a 'Thank You' for all the joy, all the victories, all the memories. But, I am getting cold feet.
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) October 9, 2018
Much to her surprise, the tweets caught the eye of Kumble and he asked the girl to come and meet after the flight lands. Wow.
Please feel free to come over and say hi after take off @Mittermaniac https://t.co/z2xdKF2wij
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 9, 2018
Needless to say, the fan could not believe what she read.
OMG. OMG. Coming in a bit, Sir.
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) October 9, 2018
Yes, dreams do come true.
Dreams do come true.
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) October 9, 2018
After the flight took off, the fan posted an update sharing the picture of her boarding pass. And guess what? It had Anil Kumble’s autograph. She also mentioned that she is going to get this framed and how she wishes to take lessons of humanity from the cricketer.
Will have to get a boarding pass framed now. Thank you, @anilkumble1074. Someday I want to learn humility from you. pic.twitter.com/YbcJP1s8hi
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) October 9, 2018
Yes, and more. I want to touch his feet.
— Sohini (@Mittermaniac) October 9, 2018
You just cannot help but respect this man. Probably one of those cricketers who have absolutely zero haters all over the world. Take a bow, Jumbo!