October 27, 2024: Anil Kumble expressed disappointment with India’s batting performance following their 113-run defeat to New Zealand in Pune, which marked India’s first home Test series loss since 2012 and broke their 18-series unbeaten streak.
Tom Latham’s side made history by becoming the first New Zealand team to secure a Test series win in India, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Discussing the implications of this loss on India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, Kumble emphasized that every Test match remains critical for India’s chances of reaching the WTC final. “That’s the beauty of the WTC,” he said, noting that although the series outcome is decided, the remaining matches still carry vital points. With India now needing four wins from their remaining six matches, including one more against New Zealand and five in Australia, Kumble acknowledged the uphill challenge India faces to qualify comfortably.
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Kumble praised India’s bowling unit, recognizing their consistent ability to take 20 wickets across the series, which has kept India at the top of the WTC points table.
However, he stressed the need for India’s batting lineup to step up: “The batting has been disappointing… the bowlers have consistently taken those 20 wickets. The batting needs to step up and deliver runs.”
With one Test remaining at Wankhede Stadium on November 1, India has an opportunity to salvage pride and build momentum as they prepare for the challenging series against Australia.
