Former India captain Anil Kumble called India’s decision not to let Jasprit Bumrah open the bowling on day three of the first Test “questionable,” after the hosts suffered a 30-run defeat against South Africa at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. Chasing 124 on a tricky surface, India collapsed to 93 all out, losing the match inside three days.
Kumble pointed out that the approach early in the morning session played a crucial role in the final outcome. “A target of 123 was a bit too much. When the day started, South Africa were 63 for 7 and that was the lead. Temba Bavuma was still there. But having spread-out fields and not giving the first over to your best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was questionable. All three wickets that fell were to the fast bowlers,” he said on JioHotstar.
Anil Kumble praises Bavuma’s leadership and tactical decisions
The former India coach also praised South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, saying he often goes underappreciated despite guiding his team to the World Test Championship title earlier this year.
“Credit to Temba Bavuma he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as a captain. He has won 10 out of 11 Test matches as skipper and has won a Test Championship. He doesn’t get the kind of credit other international captains receive,” Kumble said.
He further highlighted Bavuma’s batting contributions, noting his vital knocks in the WTC final and the Kolkata Test.
Kumble also applauded Bavuma’s sharp bowling changes. He pointed out the timely introduction of Aiden Markram against two left-handers and praised the way South Africa’s captain managed his resources. While Keshav Maharaj’s expensive over allowed India to score 16 runs, Kumble said the gamble ultimately paid off.
Overall, he felt Bavuma rotated his bowlers “brilliantly,” relying on Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, the two spinners, and the selective use of Markram while opting not to bring Wiaan Mulder into the attack at all.
(By PTI Inputs)
