NEW DELHI: Legendary spinner Anil Kumble did not mince words as he criticised India's batting approach after they surrendered a massive 288-run first-innings deficit to South Africa in the second Test in Guwahati.
On a surface that Kuldeep Yadav had earlier described as being as flat as a "road," India were bundled out for just 201, undone by the relentless pace and steep bounce of the 6-foot-8 Marco Jansen. The tall left-armer first hammered 93 on Day 2 and then returned to destroy India with figures of 6 for 48.
"I felt India's batting effort was quite poor. The application and patience required in Test cricket were missing. While there were some good deliveries, the batsmen didn't seem prepared to endure tough spells or play session by session," Kumble told JioStar.
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South Africa, who lead the two-match series 1-0, racked up 489 in their first innings.
"It seemed like the aim was to chase runs quickly, which is unrealistic in a Test match where 489 runs need to be built gradually. Respecting the opposition bowlers and their spells is crucial, but India didn't show enough of that resilience," Kumble said.
The former India spinner added, "Marco Jansen bowled exceptionally well, putting India under consistent pressure. When he started bowling bouncers, which can be tricky given his height and awkward length, India appeared unprepared to either leave or take the blows.
"That approach is essential in Test cricket to survive challenging spells, but unfortunately, it was lacking in India's approach today."
South Africa moved to 26 without loss in their second innings, stretching their advantage to 314 heading into the fourth day.
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Earlier, India resumed at nine for no loss and made a composed start, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal adding 65 for the opening stand. However, the momentum shifted the moment Keshav Maharaj struck in the 22nd over to remove Rahul, triggering a dramatic collapse that derailed the innings.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer, who was the hero of the opening Test, removed Jaiswal (58) with extra bounce, triggering further panic.
Sai Sudharsan fell to a rash stroke, Dhruv Jurel was dismissed off a short ball for an 11-ball duck, and stand-in captain Rishabh Pant too got out after playing an irresponsible shot, drawing plenty of criticism.
Kumble was all praise for Jansen who routinely unsettled the Indian batters with bounce and pace.
"Looking at India's performance today, (Marco) Jansen bowled with clear intent and discipline, and India simply gave in," Kumble said.
"The fight and grit we saw from Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav in the lower order was missing from the top order, which was needed on a pitch like this."
South Africa last won a Test series in India in 2000.
(With PTI Inputs)
