Deep Dasgupta Shares Insights on Anil Kumble's Intimidating Presence

In a recent interview, former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta revealed the intimidating nature of legendary spinner Anil Kumble on the cricket field. Dasgupta shared anecdotes about how Kumble's fierce expectations influenced his own approach to appealing for dismissals. He contrasted Kumble's intense on-field persona with his off-field character, providing insights into the legendary bowler's remarkable career. Kumble, known for his record-breaking achievements, remains a significant figure in Indian cricket history. Discover more about their experiences and Kumble's legacy in this engaging article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 2, 2026, 17:25 IST

Dasgupta's Reflections on Kumble's On-Field Persona

Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has opened up about the formidable presence of legendary spinner Anil Kumble on the cricket field. He recounted how he would sometimes appeal for dismissals even when he was certain the batter was not out, simply to meet Kumble's high expectations. During an appearance on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Dasgupta shared his experiences of wicketkeeping to Kumble, emphasizing the stark difference between Kumble's off-field demeanor and his fierce competitiveness during matches.

Kumble's Scary Reputation

"Anil Kumble is a completely different person off the field. However, on the field, he is genuinely intimidating. I have faced his wrath numerous times. I believed that I should only appeal when I was convinced the batter was out, but Kumble often reprimanded me for not appealing enough," Dasgupta explained.

"Because it was Kumble bowling, I sometimes felt compelled to appeal, even when I knew in my mind that the batter was not out and that the decision would not go our way."

Career Highlights of Kumble and Dasgupta

Kumble is celebrated as one of India's most successful match-winners, concluding his international career with a remarkable 956 wickets across all formats over an 18-year span from 1990 to 2008. He is one of only three bowlers in Test history to take all 10 wickets in a single innings, achieving this against Pakistan in Delhi in 1999 with figures of 10/74. Kumble also holds the record for the highest number of Test wickets by an Indian bowler and is known for his incredible stamina, having bowled over 40,000 deliveries in Test cricket.

Dasgupta, who played for India from 2001 to 2002, participated in eight Test matches and five ODIs. He scored his first Test century against England in Mohali in 2001 and later transitioned into a successful career as a cricket commentator and analyst.