Kolkata, India – Former Indian captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble has openly criticized some of Rishabh Pant's on-field decisions during India's recent historic 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Kumble's remarks came after India, captained by Pant due to Shubman Gill's injury, were bowled out for a paltry 93 in their second innings while chasing a target of 124.

Kumble, speaking to JioHotstar, questioned Pant's strategy on the third day of the Test, particularly his decision not to give the first over to Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler. Instead, Pant opted for a spin attack, opening with the left-arm spin duo of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. Kumble stated that this decision was "questionable," especially considering the challenging nature of the pitch and the fact that South Africa were at 63/7 overnight, holding a slender lead. He emphasized that all three wickets that fell on the day were taken by fast bowlers.

"A target of 123 was a bit too much. When the day started, South Africa were 63/7 and that was the lead. Temba Bavuma was still there. But having spread-out fields and not giving the first over to your best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was questionable," Kumble said.

This isn't the first time Kumble has publicly expressed his bewilderment at the team management's choices in the Test. Prior to the start of the match, Kumble voiced his surprise at the team selection, particularly the dropping of Sai Sudharsan and the promotion of Washington Sundar to the No. 3 batting position. Kumble noted the over-reliance on all-rounders in the team, suggesting it might lead to imbalance. He highlighted that the team featured six left-handed batters, a first in India's Test history, and an unusual combination of four spinners and two fast bowlers. He felt that on a Day 1 pitch, expecting one of the four spinners to remain under-bowled.

"Really surprised at the lineup because I certainly expected Sai Sudarshan to be playing in this Test match. Who's going to bat at No.3? That will be the question. Washington Sundar has been slotted to bat at No.3 so India will be bowling first. 4 spinners and 2 fast bowlers," Kumble said before the start of the match.

While acknowledging Pant's potential as a leader, Kumble's criticism underscores the pressure on the young captain to make astute decisions, especially in crunch situations. Pant has had prior captaincy experience, leading Delhi Capitals in the IPL and even captaining India in T20Is in 2022. In IPL, Pant has led in 44 matches, securing 23 wins with an overall win percentage of 53.48%. In T20Is, Pant captained India in a five-match series against South Africa in 2022, where the team drew 2-2 after losing the first two matches.

Kumble also lauded South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, for his leadership, noting that Bavuma doesn't always receive the recognition he deserves, despite his success, including winning the World Test Championship.

The defeat leaves India trailing 0-1 in the two-match series, adding further significance to the upcoming second Test. The team will need to address the concerns raised by Kumble and regroup quickly to avoid a series loss.