CHENNAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Tuesday, honoured Team India’s Test captain Anil Kumble on reaching the remarkable landmark of 600 Test wickets.

At a star-studded function here attended by top cricket officials and the Indian cricket team, the BCCI presented India’s all time leading wicket taker in Tests with a specially crafted diamond studded trophy.

The Indian spin king is currently ranked third behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne in the all-time list of highest wicket-takers in Tests.

Sharad Pawar, President BCCI, said, “Kumble's cricket is as uncomplicated as the man himself is. A phenomenal cricketer, he has served Indian cricket untiringly with great aplomb letting his on-field exploits do all the talking. For close to 18 years, this great cricketer has given nothing less than a 100% in effort never letting his side down. In fact, it is this very characteristic of his that amply resonates in the style of cricket being played by the team, after he has taken over the reins.

He further said cricket fans the world over love him for this unflinching attitude and commitment toward the Indian team and who can forget his historic ten wicket haul at the Kotla. We at the BCCI are proud of his achievements and wish him many more successes in the years to come.”
 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India in its citation eulogized Kumble’s achievements saying, “Anil Radhakrishna Kumble is a gentleman-cricketer in the truer sense of the word.

The citation further read, “The Indian Board records with gratitude his selfless service to the game and his memorable performances, be it all ten wickets in an innings against Pakistan at the Feroze Shah Kotla in 1999, his 24 wickets in three Tests against Australia in 2003-2004, or his courage in coming out to bowl with a wired jaw in the Caribbean and bowling India to a series victory over West Indies after 35 years on the next tour. Who can forget his Test hundred in England that separates him from other great bowlers of his era?”

The total gold weight of the trophy is 282.74gms.