Cricket

“I am really surprised that India had to make 3 changes” – Anil Kumble on team combination for IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test

Former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble shared his surprise after India made as many as three changes to their playing XI in the second Test match against New Zealand at Pune. India brought in Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep and left out KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj.

Sundar was added to the Indian squad keeping in mind the number of left-handers in the opposition. The all-rounder also scored a fine knock of 152 runs against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy clash and picked up six wickets in the match.

On the other hand, KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj were left out as they were not in the best of forms. Rahul had returned with scores of 0 and 12 in the Bengaluru Test whereas Siraj bagged only two wickets in the previous game.

Anil Kumble said on Jio Cinema, “I thought KL Rahul was at No. 6, but he has been moved up and down the order. Yes, on form, Sarfaraz gets the opportunity. In the scheme of things, as long as the messaging for the three missing players is clear, it’s fine. Otherwise, I am really surprised that India had to make 3 changes. You really had Axar Patel, who probably won the Test series in India not just with the ball, but with the bat. I am a bit surprised that Washington had come in and straightaway made it to the playing XI.”

On the other hand, legendary Sunil Gavaskar reckons Kuldeep Yadav was unlucky to miss out in the playing XI and the hosts added Washington Sundar as they are worried about their batting.

“I don’t see a lot of teams making three changes unless there are injury concerns,” he said (as per the aforementioned source). “Washington Sundar inclusion which actually tells you they are worried about their batting. More than his bowling, they need his batting down the order as the cushion. Yes, there is a lot of talk about the left-handers in the New Zealand batting unit, but I would have picked Kuldeep Yadav, who can also turn it away from a left-hander.”

New Zealand are 92-2 at lunch on the opening day of the second Test.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024