As the Lord’s Test enters its final day, cricket legend Anil Kumble has pinpointed KL Rahul as India’s linchpin in their tense chase against England.
The Lord’s Test: A Nail-Biting Finish Looms
The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground is set for a dramatic conclusion as India heads into the final day needing 135 runs to win. The visitors are currently 58/4, chasing a target of 193 on a challenging pitch.
India lost crucial wickets on Day 4, with set batters Yashasvi Jaiswal, captain Shubman Gill, and Karun Nair all back in the pavilion. This leaves the match finely balanced, with both teams vying for a decisive 2-1 series lead.
Anil Kumble Backs KL Rahul for Victory
Former India coach and spin maestro Anil Kumble believes KL Rahul holds the key to India’s success. Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble emphasized Rahul’s pivotal role in guiding the team to victory.
“KL Rahul is going to be the main man (for India). If India are to go past this total tomorrow, he needs to be there till the end — not just give India a good start,” Kumble stated. He added that this knock would be “very important” for Rahul and essential for India to cross the line.
Rahul’s Strategic Batting Adjustment
Rahul, currently unbeaten on 33 runs from 47 balls, had already scored a century in the first innings. Kumble highlighted a smart adjustment Rahul made during his current innings after a close call early on.
“Early on, I thought he looked a bit like Joe Root, reaching out to the ball, and that’s when there was a chance offered to Chris Woakes. He was lucky to be dropped,” Kumble observed. However, he noted a positive change: “But from that moment on, he started waiting for the ball to come onto him, and once he did that, he looked the part — just like he did in the first innings.”
A “Proper Seesaw” Battle
Kumble described the third Test as a “proper seesaw,” noting the constant shifts in momentum between India and England. He confirmed there would be “no draw, that’s for sure,” a possibility he had considered after Day 3.
He reflected on key moments where both teams seized and then relinquished control. India’s strong performance in restricting England to 192, followed by a decent start at 41/1, was undermined by the quick dismissals of Karun Nair and Shubman Gill.
This turn of events has slightly tilted the advantage back in England’s favour. Kumble stressed the need for a “massive partnership” between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant on the final day to clinch the win for India.
- Anil Kumble believes KL Rahul is crucial for India to win the Lord’s Test.
- Rahul must bat till the end for India to chase down the target of 193.
- Rahul made a key batting adjustment after an early dropped chance, improving his technique.
- Kumble described the match as a “proper seesaw” with no chance of a draw.
- India needs a significant partnership from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant on the final day.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion, with all eyes on Rahul and Pant to steer India to victory at Lord’s.
