Indian cricket legend Anil Kumble expressed strong disapproval of Team India's unconventional playing XI that featured six left-handed batsmen for the first time in Test history during the opening match against South Africa at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Friday.
Unprecedented Team Selection Raises Eyebrows
The surprising team composition revealed by captain Shubman Gill included the exclusion of Sai Sudharsan to accommodate in-form Dhruv Jurel as a specialist batsman alongside returning wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. The most controversial move was slotting all-rounder Washington Sundar at the crucial number three batting position, marking a significant departure from traditional Test lineup strategies.
India's record Test wicket-taker didn't mince words when analyzing the team selection on the official broadcast before the match commenced. "Really surprised at the lineup because I certainly expected Sai Sudarshan to be playing in this Test match. Who's going to bat at No.3? That will be the question," Kumble stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the batting order.
Four Spinners and All-rounders Galore
The Indian team opted for an unusual combination of four spinners alongside two fast bowlers, with Kumble questioning the necessity of such heavy spin reinforcement on the first day of the Test match. The playing XI included multiple all-rounders featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar in the lower middle order.
"I certainly expected 3 spinners to play and 2 fast bowlers. So, that's going to be a bit of a challenge. Day 1, the wicket is good. It's not like you need 4 spinners and one of them will certainly get under-bowled," Kumble explained, expressing concerns about optimal resource utilization by captain Shubman Gill.
Historical Left-handed Dominance
The November 14, 2025 match witnessed India fielding six left-handed batsmen in their Test lineup for the first time ever, creating a new record in Indian cricket history. This unprecedented composition surpassed previous instances where India had included five left-handers in matches against England and West Indies earlier in the same year.
Kumble further analyzed the batting structure, noting: "It's all-rounders. I mean, if you look at the batting lineup, Washington Sundar has been slotted at 3. So, obviously, if he bats at 3, then the batters are Shubman, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. The rest of them are all-rounders."
The spin great emphasized that this all-rounder heavy approach reflects a broader trend in Indian cricket strategy across all three formats of the game. His comments highlighted the ongoing evolution of team composition philosophies within the Indian cricket establishment, particularly in Test matches where specialist roles have traditionally been prioritized.
