Former India captain and legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble has launched a strong defence of Temba Bavuma, stating that the South African skipper does not receive the recognition and credit he richly deserves, especially when compared to other international captains.
Kumble's Stinging Assessment on Captaincy Credit
Stressing that top Test nations have been forced to take notice of him, Kumble pointed to Bavuma's phenomenal record as proof of his quality. "He has won 10 out of 11 Test matches as skipper for South Africa and has won a (World) Test Championship for them," Kumble stated on the Cricket Live show on JioHotstar. The former India skipper emphasized that this incredible success has not translated into proportionate acclaim, noting, "He doesn't get the kind of credit other international captains receive."
Bavuma's Pivotal Performances with the Bat
Kumble also shone a light on Bavuma's recent contributions with the willow, which have come at critical moments for the Proteas. "As a batter, too, he has produced two quality innings, one in the WTC final and one here, literally back-to-back," Kumble remarked, referring to the recent Test in Kolkata. He praised Bavuma for stepping up exceptionally well both as a player and a leader when the team needed runs the most.
Masterful Captaincy in Kolkata
Kumble dissected Bavuma's tactical acumen during the Kolkata Test, highlighting a specific bowling change that proved decisive. With Axar Patel threatening to take the game away from South Africa, Bavuma turned to his deputy, Aiden Markram, a move that mirrored his strategy in the WTC final. "I thought he did really well in bringing on Aiden Markram when there were two left-handers at the crease," Kumble observed.
He did note one calculated gamble that paid off despite being expensive. "Maybe that one over from Keshav Maharaj, I felt that was where he got the wrong bowler on, because Axar was certainly taking him on. But he took a gamble that ultimately paid off. It cost South Africa 16 runs, but it paid off." Kumble concluded that Bavuma's overall usage of his bowling resources, including the strategic omission of Wiaan Mulder, was excellent.
India's Shortcomings and Pitch Challenges
Shifting focus to the Indian team's performance, Kumble identified the absence of skipper Shubman Gill, who was unable to bat in both innings, as a major handicap. "With one batter short on a wicket that was aiding the bowlers, it was never going to be easy," he said. He also believed that the Indian batters were "a bit too overawed by the pitch and conditions," which took precedence over the basic principle of watching the ball and playing.
Kumble pointed to the performances of Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Bavuma himself as evidence that application was possible. On India's approach to chasing 123, he questioned the decision not to open the bowling with Jasprit Bumrah. "Having spread-out fields and not giving the first over to your best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was questionable," he noted, ultimately stating that India were "certainly outdone by South Africa."
