IND vs ENG: Kumble Criticizes Pant-Rahul for Pre-Lunch Collapse, Cites Root’s Patience as Example
New Delhi. The ongoing Test series between India and England witnessed a turning point when Indian batters Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, after building a promising partnership, were dismissed just before lunch on Day 2. These two wickets not only gave England a breather but allowed them to regain momentum in a match that was slowly tilting in India’s favour.
While KL Rahul completed a century with classic elegance, Rishabh Pant was unfortunately run out for 74. Former India captain Anil Kumble expressed strong disappointment over the duo’s lack of patience, calling the dismissals “avoidable mistakes” and stressing how they gave England a psychological edge.
🔹 Pant’s Grit Turned Costly with One Risky Run
Playing with an injured finger, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant showcased immense grit as he smashed 74 off 112 balls, even launching Ben Stokes over the ropes to bring up his half-century. It looked like he and Rahul would take India past the 400-run mark before lunch.
However, Pant attempted a risky single off Shoaib Bashir just minutes before the lunch break and got run out due to a miscommunication. It was a moment that changed the tone of India’s innings.
🔹 Kumble’s Sharp Words: “Completely Unnecessary”
Speaking on Star Sports, Anil Kumble minced no words while analyzing the situation:
“I think the initial call came from Pant, but he hesitated midway. Maybe he thought the run wasn’t there. Rahul was already halfway down, so Pant had to commit. But this was completely unnecessary. With just three balls left before lunch, they could’ve just played it safe and resumed later with a clear head.”
🔹 “Root Waited an Entire Night” – Kumble Gives a Lesson in Patience
To emphasize his point, Kumble drew a comparison with former England skipper Joe Root:
“Joe Root was once on 99 but chose to come back the next morning rather than risk losing his wicket. That’s what great players do — they wait, they assess, they respect the moment. Pant and Rahul didn’t show that level of composure today.”
🔹 Rahul’s Classy Ton Followed by Disappointment
KL Rahul’s century was a masterclass in technique and temperament. He reached his 11th Test hundred with finesse and calm, offering relief to Indian fans after an early top-order collapse.
However, much like Pant, Rahul too couldn’t convert his century into a match-defining knock. He fell early in the post-lunch session, again to Shoaib Bashir, triggering a quick collapse that saw India bowled out for 387.
🔹 Pant’s Bravery: Heroic or Reckless?
Pant’s innings will be remembered for his bravery — batting with a strapped finger, attacking bowlers, and never backing down. But Kumble and other veterans believe that intent must be balanced with maturity, especially in Tests.
Kumble added:
“If they had waited those 10-15 minutes, India could’ve easily crossed 400 and applied mental pressure on England. Instead, they gave England a lifeline.”
🔹 Momentum Shifted to England
England captain Ben Stokes admitted that those two dismissals were turning points in the game:
“We bowled well initially, but Pant and Rahul took the pressure off. That run-out before lunch and Rahul’s wicket later gave us the momentum back. It changed everything.”
