Is the partnership between Rahul and Pant vital for India's chase at Lord's?

London, July 14 (NationPress) Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble has emphasized that the collaboration between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant is essential for India's success in chasing the target on a challenging fifth-day pitch at Lord's. After off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar delivered an outstanding performance with figures of 4-22, concluding England's second innings at 192 in 62.1 overs, India set out to pursue 193 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

However, in the final 30 minutes of play, England managed to claim three wickets, swinging the momentum in their favor before day five. India still has first-innings centurion Rahul not out on 33, and they need him to remain at the crease to secure the remaining 135 runs.

"The partnership of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant is of utmost importance. Their performance in the first innings was commendable, but this time they must avoid any hesitation. India requires this partnership tomorrow. If one of them falls early, the pressure will significantly increase on the other. It’s crucial for KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja. For England to succeed, they must dismiss both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant early; otherwise, the pressure shifts to their bowlers against India’s lower order," Kumble stated on JioHotstar.

Kumble further highlighted the significance of Rahul’s experience and composure as India aims for stability on Day 5. "KL Rahul will be the key player. If India plans to surpass this total tomorrow, he must stay until the end - not simply provide a good start. Initially, I thought he resembled Joe Root, reaching for the ball, which almost led to a chance for Chris Woakes. He was fortunate to be dropped. However, from that moment, he adjusted his technique, waiting for the ball to come to him, and once he did, he looked impressive, similar to his first innings performance. This knock will be crucial; if India is to succeed, KL Rahul must play a pivotal role."

India excelled at targeting the stumps with impressive spells from their fast bowlers. Sundar then took charge with the softened old ball, effectively deceiving batters like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith.

Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah each took two wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep claimed one each, ensuring England's lower order was unable to mount a fightback.

Kumble praised India's collective bowling effort, stating, "India’s bowling performance was outstanding. They consistently bowled in the right areas, recognizing the importance of hitting the surface, even with limited swing available. Besides Jasprit Bumrah, who managed to extract some movement, the bowlers had little assistance. Yet, India remained focused. Mohammed Siraj was remarkable, charging in with great intensity and keeping the batters on their toes."

However, Sundar stood out during that spell, taking four crucial wickets, including top players like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith. Bumrah then wrapped things up at the end. Collectively, India bowled exceptionally well, leaving no room for criticism. A target of 192 is one that the batters would confidently pursue," he said.

Reflecting on the momentum shift favoring England at Lord’s, Kumble asserted that a draw is no longer an option.

On the fifth and final day at Lord's, India needs 135 runs to secure victory while England requires six wickets to win the Test.

“There’s no chance of a draw, that’s for sure. While it was a possibility after Day 3, it certainly isn’t anymore. This Test match has exhibited significant drama, with both teams at various points losing and regaining control. It’s been a proper seesaw. India had a wonderful opportunity, restricting England to 192 and reaching 41 for 1."

"I believe Yashasvi Jaiswal played a poor shot early in his innings, but Karun Nair and KL Rahul batted well to reach that 41. Once Karun fell and Shubman Gill followed, the momentum has slightly shifted back to England's favor. India will require a substantial partnership from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant tomorrow," the former spinner concluded.