Anil Kumble Analyzes KL Rahul's Dismissal in India vs South Africa Test
Kumble Surprised by Rahul's Dismissal
New Delhi, November 25: Anil Kumble, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed his astonishment at how KL Rahul was dismissed on Day 4 of the ongoing Test match against South Africa in Guwahati. As India pursued a daunting target of 549 runs, they ended the day with two wickets down, still requiring 522 runs to secure victory.
Rahul managed to score just six runs off 29 deliveries before being dismissed by South African spinner Simon Harmer.
His wicket fell at a crucial juncture during the final session. Harmer, who was brought into the attack, made an immediate impact in his first over. The off-spinner bowled a clever delivery that drifted in, dipped sharply, and landed in the rough area outside the right-hander's off stump. Anticipating a fuller delivery to drive, Rahul advanced but misjudged the ball, playing across the line. The ball spun sharply, evaded his inside edge, and crashed into the stumps.
During a discussion on the JioStar show 'Cricket Live', Kumble commended Harmer's delivery but pointed out that Rahul made a mistake by attempting to drive without properly positioning himself. Kumble speculated that this could have been a momentary lapse in focus, leading to a classic dismissal by an off-spinner.
“It was indeed a remarkable delivery from Simon. However, KL attempted the shot without getting to the ball's pitch. Due to the revolutions Harmer imparts, the ball dipped, and the line was spot on. On a fourth or fifth-day pitch with rough patches, players usually cover all three stumps since LBW is less likely from that angle—impact is generally outside off-stump. This is why I found it surprising. KL Rahul is an experienced player. He did take center-stump guard, yet his off-stump remained visible,” Kumble explained.
“Ideally, standing on middle-and-off allows you to comfortably reach or defend the ball. However, positioning on middle-and-leg exposes the off-stump and compels you to reach for the ball, bringing short leg into play. Otherwise, you would need to play off the back foot. Perhaps it was a momentary lapse in concentration. He believed it was a ball he could drive, but it dipped, and credit goes to Harmer. He aimed to drive but fell victim to a classic off-spinner's dismissal,” the former cricketer elaborated.