India’s collapse in the India vs South Africa Guwahati Test drew sharp criticism from Anil Kumble, who said the team “appeared unprepared” for South Africa’s disciplined bowling. Poor shot selection, lack of patience, and failure to handle Marco Jansen’s bouncers led to India being bowled out for 201, putting South Africa in a commanding position in the match.
Anil Kumble Criticises India’s Batting After Guwahati Test Collapse
The India vs South Africa Guwahati Test became a turning point in the series, not because of a historic fightback, but due to one of India’s most disappointing batting displays in recent years. On Day 3, India were bundled out for just 201, handing South Africa a massive first-innings lead of 288 runs and complete control of the match.
Former India captain Anil Kumble did not hold back in his assessment. Speaking on JioStar, he stated that India “appeared unprepared” for the intensity of South Africa’s bowling attack, especially during Marco Jansen’s fiery spells. According to Kumble, the Indian batters lacked the discipline, patience, and mental toughness needed to survive in Test cricket.
When the day started in the India vs South Africa Test, India were expected to grind their way back into the contest on what Kuldeep Yadav earlier described as “a road-like pitch.” Instead, the innings fell apart after the early dismissals of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. A string of reckless shots and poor decision-making saw India collapse from 95/1 to 122/7 in just a session and a half, handing South Africa near-total control.
Kumble pointed out that India did not show the willingness to play long sessions or respect the bowlers’ skill. He emphasised that Test cricket requires patience, especially when chasing a massive total like 489. Instead, the Indian players seemed in a rush to score quickly, leading to avoidable mistakes.
Marco Jansen, who took 6/48, was the standout performer for South Africa. His steep bounce and awkward lengths troubled the Indian top and middle order. Kumble highlighted that the Indian batters were neither ready to leave well-directed bouncers nor prepared to take body blows an essential part of Test match survival.
The dismissals of B. Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, and Rishabh Pant three wickets falling in just 13 balls summed up what Kumble described as “brain fade moments” from the Indian side. The lack of application was stark compared to the grit shown by Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, who stitched a fighting 72-run stand for the eighth wicket.
Kumble praised South Africa for their near-perfect execution across all three days in the India vs South Africa match. Their team selection also impressed him, particularly the decision to include Senuran Muthusamy. His century, in partnership with Jansen, played a pivotal role in taking the game away from India early on.
He stated that the discipline, intent, and clarity shown by South Africa were exactly what India lacked. While the visitors dominated with intent, India continued to fall apart due to impatience and poor shot selection.
With South Africa leading by over 325 runs and two full days remaining in the India vs South Africa clash, Kumble believes the visitors are in a commanding position to seal the match and the series. The Guwahati Test exposed deep issues in India’s approach, raising questions about their strategy, temperament, and readiness in high-pressure overseas clashes.
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FAQ
What was Anil Kumble’s main criticism of India in the Guwahati Test?
Kumble criticised the lack of patience, application, and preparation shown by India’s batters against South Africa’s disciplined bowling.
Why did India collapse despite a good pitch?
Even though the pitch was described as “a road,” India played rash shots and failed to handle the pressure spells from Marco Jansen and others.
Who was the standout performer in the match?
Marco Jansen dominated with a brilliant 6/48 spell, troubling almost every Indian batter with bounce and accuracy.
Which partnership showed resistance for India?
Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav added 72 runs, showing the grit missing from the top order.
Why is the Guwahati Test important for the series?
The huge first-innings lead has put South Africa in a strong position to clinch the match and the series, exposing India’s shortcomings.
