Former India head coach Anil Kumble slammed the Rishabh Pant-led side's batting approach during the second Test match against South Africa at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Team India, who conceded 489 runs in the first innings against the Proteas, bundled out on just 201 runs on Day 3 of the second Test.
Anil Kumble on India's batting collapse
On a pitch that Kuldeep Yadav had compared to a "road", was seen tough to bat for Indian batters as the side conceded a 288-run lead to South Africa, where Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers with a six-wicket haul after smashing 93 on the second day.
"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.
South Africa are currently leading 1-0 in the two-Test match series of the Freedom Trophy. The Proteas also tightened their grip in the second Test match after India's poor batting show on Day 2.
Kumble on India's aggressive approach
Kumble believes that Indian batters aimed to chase the mammoth total quickly, but it is unrealistic in a Test match
"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 legendary spinner also lauded Marco Jansen as he became only the third left-arm fast-bowler to take a five-wicket haul in India after Zaheer Khan and Mitchell Johnson.
"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" added Kumble.