11 Cricketers who played with injuries

2. Anil Kumble (India)

The legendary leg spinner from India was renowned not only for his skillful bowling but also for his grit and determination on the field. Anyone who has followed the sport over the last two decades could never forget the iconic image of Anil Kumble bowling with his face swathed in bandages. 

It was the year 2002 when India squared off against West Indies in the fourth Test match of the series at Antigua. Anil Kumble was promoted up the order during the Indian batting innings, a move which did not go down well with the Caribbean pacers as he was greeted with a fierce bouncer by Mervyn Dillon, which rattled his jaw. Kumble was shaken and spat blood but was determined to carry on.

Later in the match, it was revealed that he had suffered a broken jaw and will not play any further part in the match. But with some visible turn on offer on the pitch and India lacking a front-line spinner apart from him, Kumble took to the field, to the shock of everyone present at the venue. He bowled 14 consecutive overs and managed the prized scalp of Brian Lara even though wincing in pain. 

“It was one of the bravest things I’ve seen on the field of play,” said Viv Richards later on Kumble's unbelievable defiance.