NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Anil Kumble criticised the batting performance after India conceded a 288-run first-innings lead to South Africa in the second Test on Monday, while former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn praised the visitors for controlling the match across three days. India were bowled out for 201 in reply to South Africa’s 489. The collapse came on a pitch Kuldeep Yadav had described as a “road”, with Marco Jansen taking 6 for 48 after scoring 93 on the second day.
“I felt India’s batting effort was quite poor. The application and patience required in Test cricket were missing. While there were some good deliveries, the batsmen didn’t seem prepared to endure tough spells or play session by session,” Kumble told JioStar, as cited by ANI. “It seemed like the aim was to chase runs quickly, which is unrealistic in a Test match where 489 runs need to be built gradually. Respecting the opposition bowlers and their spells is crucial, but India didn’t show enough of that resilience,” he added. Kumble also highlighted Jansen’s role, saying, “Marco Jansen bowled exceptionally well, putting India under consistent pressure. When he started bowling bouncers, which can be tricky given his height and awkward length, India appeared unprepared to either leave or take the blows. “That approach is essential in Test cricket to survive challenging spells, but unfortunately, it was lacking in India’s approach today.” South Africa, who lead the two-Test series 1-0, reached 26 for no loss in their second innings and stretched the overall lead to 314 going into day four.Meanwhile, former South African pace spearhead Dale Steyn said it was unusual to see an overseas side dominate for this long in India. “It’s rare to witness a visiting side dominate three days of cricket in India like this,” Steyn said. “In my view, their strategy and execution in these Guwahati conditions have outshone India’s efforts.” Steyn said South Africa’s choices through the Test had been effective, starting with the decision to bat first. He also supported captain Temba Bavuma’s call to bat again rather than enforce the follow-on. “When Temba Bavuma ran off the field, it was evident that the last hour of play would be challenging for the batsmen,” Steyn said. “The decision to continue batting was the right one — aiming to stay positive, take calculated risks, and if a wicket falls, so be it. “Tomorrow provides a full day of batting in more favourable conditions, offering an opportunity to build on this position,” he added. South Africa last won a Test series in India in 2000.
