The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) committed a major faux pas on Tuesday when it sent out a rather disappointing tweet to wish legendary cricketer Anil Kumble on his birthday.

The India cricket board was forced to delete its tweet after fans of the decorated cricketer took offence to the post that described him simply as a "former bowler".

The row follows Kumble's acrimonious departure as national coach in June, when he quit saying his relationship with captain Virat Kohli was "untenable".

The BCCI joined in the birthday wishes for Kumble's 47th birth anniversary but quickly backtracked after its low-key description sent fans into a spin.

"Here's wishing former #TeamIndia bowler @anilkumble1074 a very happy birthday," read the BCCI message on its official Twitter account, before the post was deleted.

Fans of Kumble were angered, saying the board was playing down the achievements of India's greatest bowler.

"Umm bowler? Wasnt he also Captain and Coach and is India's leading Wicket taker?" replied television journalist and author Digvijay Singh Deo on Twitter.

Other fans urged the board to give Kumble his "due respect". The BCCI then tweeted another message calling him "former captain" and "legend", but the damage was done.

Kumble, courteous as always, was quick to thank the BCCI for its wishes. "Thank you for the wishes," he wrote.

Thank you for the wishes. — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 17, 2017

Kumble's relationship with the BCCI was the subject of much speculation after his resignation.

It was reported in the Indian press that board officials tried to salvage ties between Kumble amd Kohli, but that the relationship was beyond repair.

Kumble, who played for India for 17 years, has never commented publicly on the matter. Ravi Shastri has since been appointed coach of the Indian side.

Kumble, or 'Jumbo' as he is fondly known, remains India's highest Test wicket-taker with 619 scalps in 132 matches.