Former India captain Anil Kumble noted the absence of an offensive bowling option through the middle overs as a critical weakness after England successfully pursued 234 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16, bringing the three-match series square at 1-1.
India scored 233, with Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66) making the only noteworthy contributions. Despite collecting three early wickets when England began their run chase, the Indian bowling unit was unable to maintain pressure through the middle overs, thus Root anchored a gradual recovery. Root’s unbeaten 99 helped England win by four wickets in the end.
“It was a really good effort from the Indian team.” They scored 233 runs, which is difficult to stop in a 50-over match. They needed wickets frequently, and Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Gurnoor Brar’s opening spells were just what they needed. They kept India in the match by taking three early wickets in the first ten to twelve overs. T
Anil Kumble stated on JioHotstar, “They put England under pressure, but Joe Root’s masterclass took the game away from them.”
“The fifth bowler was India’s major problem. Throughout the middle overs, India had no way to attack. Bumrah is the only bowler in this attack who can actually take wickets. For the most part, the others have been defensive.
Although Prasidh and Gurnoor bowled effectively in this match, India needs an attacker who can disrupt middle-overs partnerships. Kuldeep Yadav would have been helpful in those situation, particularly in ODI cricket. However, it is concerning for India if he is still excluded,” Anil Kumble continued.
Will Kuldeep Yadav rejoin India’s ODI team at Lord’s?
Kuldeep, a left-arm wrist-spinner, is still on the tour team even though he hasn’t participated in the first two games. The team management has chosen all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Axar Patel to bowl in the playing eleven instead of the specialist spinner.
Kuldeep’s ability to break partnerships in the 50-over format and his proven effectiveness with variations stand in stark contrast to his current status as a bench option.
The series finale between the two teams will take place at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19.
