As Anshul Kamboj stepped onto the field to make his Test debut for India against England, cricket fans were quick to recall one of his most remarkable feats — taking all 10 wickets in a single innings during a Ranji Trophy match. This rare achievement has always been a badge of honour for bowlers, but its roots in Indian cricket go back much further — to a December afternoon in 1954, when Subhash Gupte, one of India’s greatest-ever leg-spinners, wrote his name in history.
Gupte, famed for his immaculate control, subtle variations and the ability to deceive even the most accomplished batters, became the first Indian to claim all ten wickets in a first-class innings. The historic occasion came in a three-day match between Bombay and a combined side from Pakistan Services and Bahawalpur XI. With unwavering accuracy and relentless guile, Gupte dismantled the opposition, returning extraordinary figures of 10 for 78.
In an era when cricket was played on uncovered pitches and such dominance was almost unheard of, Gupte’s performance was nothing short of magical. His spell not only decimated the batting line-up but also became a cornerstone of Indian cricketing folklore — a tale told with reverence whenever discussions turn to the art of leg-spin.
Today, as Kamboj begins his international journey, his own 10-wicket haul serves as a modern reminder of the high standards set by pioneers like Gupte, whose brilliance still echoes through the corridors of Indian cricket history.
