Anil Kumble Critiques India's Batting Performance Against South Africa

In a recent analysis, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble criticized the national team's batting performance during the Test match against South Africa. He pointed out a significant lack of patience and resilience, which led to India's downfall, as they were bowled out for just 201 runs in their second innings. Kumble praised South African bowler Marco Jansen for his exceptional performance and highlighted the need for Indian batsmen to respect the opposition's bowling. With India trailing by 314 runs, their chances of leveling the series appear bleak. Read on for a detailed breakdown of Kumble's insights and the match's implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 25, 2025, 13:51 IST

Kumble's Analysis of India's Struggles

Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble expressed disappointment over India's batting display, stating that it was significantly lacking. He noted that the team showed a lack of fight and patience during the first innings of the Test match against South Africa in Guwahati. After conceding 489 runs in the first innings, India was bowled out for a mere 201 runs in their second innings, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar managing to score over 30 runs. Following a defeat in the first match of the series in Kolkata, India's chances of leveling the two-match series against South Africa appear grim, as they trail by 314 runs in the ongoing match.

Kumble Highlights Batting Issues

During a discussion on the 'Cricket Live' show, Kumble criticized India's batting approach, emphasizing the absence of patience, resilience, and the necessary session-by-session strategy vital for Test matches. He praised South African all-rounder Marco Jansen for his exceptional bowling, pointing out that India struggled to cope with challenging spells, particularly bouncers, and seemed more focused on scoring quickly rather than building their innings steadily.

Lack of Determination in India's Batting

Kumble remarked, "I believe India's batting was quite poor. There was a clear lack of the determination and patience required in Test cricket. While some good deliveries were bowled, the batsmen did not appear ready to endure tough spells or play session by session." He further added, "It seemed like the goal was to score quickly, which is unrealistic in a Test match where 489 runs need to be accumulated gradually. Respecting the opposition bowlers and their spells is crucial, but India did not demonstrate that resilience. Marco Jansen bowled excellently and maintained constant pressure on India. When he began to bowl bouncers, it became evident that India was neither prepared to leave the ball nor withstand the blows. Avoiding challenging spells in Test cricket is essential, but unfortunately, India lacked this approach today."

South Africa's Strong Performance

Notably, Senuran Muthusamy, who was not part of the team in Kolkata, was included and made a remarkable century in the first innings of the match, scoring 109 runs and forming a 97-run partnership with Jansen. Kumble acknowledged South Africa's excellent selection and performance, stating that Muthusamy's century and his partnership with Marco Jansen solidified their control over the match. He pointed out that India's top order lacked the fighting spirit and determination seen in their lower order, allowing South Africa to dominate with a 325-run lead and two days remaining.