Kolkata, Nov 16 (NationPress) After India's 30-run loss to South Africa at Eden Gardens, former captain Anil Kumble expressed that the team squandered a chance to amass more runs in their first innings, indicating they appeared unsettled by the pitch and prevailing conditions.

India bowled out South Africa for 159, managing to score 189 in their first innings, which provided them with a slim lead of 30 runs. Opener KL Rahul was the sole Indian batsman to surpass the 30-run threshold.

From a promising position of 153/4, India suffered a collapse, losing their last five wickets for a mere 36 runs, ending up at 189. On day three, while chasing 124, India struggled against South Africa's bowlers, getting bowled out for just 93 runs in 35 overs.

“I believe the conditions definitely favored the South Africans. India failed to capitalize on a pitch that supported both spin and pace. The wicket had considerable up-and-down movement, making batting challenging. South Africa performed admirably; after dismissing India for 159 in their first innings, I genuinely thought India could have scored more,” Kumble remarked.

“The absence of the captain from the batting lineup in both innings undoubtedly hindered India. With one less batsman on a bowler-friendly surface, it was always going to be tough. I felt South Africa executed their batting strategy excellently, led by their captain, with solid support from their bowlers. India appeared somewhat intimidated by the pitch and conditions,” he added.

“This apprehension overshadowed the basic requirement of watching the ball and playing it. I understand it was not straightforward, but Washington Sundar demonstrated that it was possible to hold on, and Axar Patel also showed that runs were indeed available. Temba Bavuma showcased how to apply oneself effectively. Ultimately, it came down to application, and India succumbed to the mounting pressure,” Kumble stated on JioStar.

He praised Temba Bavuma’s leadership in helping South Africa defend a target of 123 with confidence, while also questioning India's tactics at the start of day three. “A target of 123 felt a bit excessive. When the day began, South Africa was at 63 for 7 - that was their lead. Bavuma was still at the crease. However, opting for spread-out fields and not handing the first over to your best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was debatable. All three wickets lost were to the fast bowlers,” he commented.

“In summary, India was comprehensively outperformed by South Africa. Credit goes to Temba Bavuma - he deserves more recognition as a captain. He has secured 10 out of 11 Test victories as South Africa's skipper and has led them to a Test Championship. He doesn't receive the acknowledgment that other international captains do.”

“As a batsman, he has delivered two remarkable innings, one during the WTC final and another here, back-to-back, considering he was unavailable for the Pakistan series. He has excelled both as a player and a captain,” Kumble added.

South Africa's victory has given them a 1-0 advantage in the two-match series and marked their first Test win in India in 15 years. Kumble also commended Bavuma's strategic brilliance in bringing Aiden Markram's off-spin into play to dismiss a well-set Washington Sundar.

“I felt he made an excellent decision by introducing Aiden Markram when there were two left-handers at the crease. Washington Sundar looked comfortable against Simon Harmer. However, perhaps that one over from Keshav Maharaj was where he erred, as Axar was certainly taking him on. But he took a risk that ultimately paid off. It cost South Africa 16 runs, but it was worth it. Overall, I thought his bowler usage was outstanding. He didn't employ Wiaan Mulder at all during the innings. He ensured the tall Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and the two spinners, along with the clever use of Markram, were sufficient,” he concluded.