Anil Kumble Critiques Strategy in India's Narrow Loss to England

New Delhi, Jul 15 (PTI) — Anil Kumble, former India captain, expressed his opinion on the strategic decisions made during India's narrow defeat against England in the third Test at Lord's. Kumble believes that Ravindra Jadeja should have taken more responsibility against Shoaib Bashir, rather than exposing Mohammed Siraj to the bowler, which resulted in India's loss.

The match stirred memories for Kumble of India's heartbreaking 12-run defeat against Pakistan in Chennai 26 years ago, especially with Siraj’s dismissal mirroring Javagal Srinath’s wicket by Saqlain Mushtaq back in the day. "It reminded me of the Test in Chennai, with just 22 runs to chase and Jadeja left stranded," noted Kumble in a discussion on 'JioHotstar'.

Jadeja, who was careful with singles, could have taken calculated risks against slower bowlers like Chris Woakes and Joe Root, suggested Kumble. "Even though they're off-spinners, there wasn't much turn. Ideally, if someone was to take the risk and get out, it should have been Jadeja," he remarked.

Despite the strategic missteps, Kumble applauded Jadeja's impressive 61 not out, almost leading India to a miraculous victory with just Bumrah and Siraj left. "To double the score after being 82 for 7 is incredible," Kumble explained, also mentioning the significant extras that might have cost India the game.

As for Siraj, Kumble speculated that being struck on the shoulder by Jofra Archer in the previous over could have affected his concentration. "The pressure added by the silly point was immense, but it was such a chance for a historic win," he added.

Kumble hailed the Lord's Test as a "great advertisement for Test cricket," acknowledging how close all three Tests have been. "Yes, England leads 2-1, but session-wise, the teams have been quite evenly matched," he concluded.

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