Team fields record 6 left-handers against South Africa

India's team sheet for the first Test against South Africa at Kolkata's Eden Gardens caused a major stir on Friday. Captain Shubman Gill's final XI featured several baffling choices, including the decision to drop the in-form Sai Sudharsan to accommodate Dhruv Jurel as a specialist bat.

But the biggest shock was seeing all-rounder Washington Sundar listed to bat at the crucial No. 3 position. This move, combined with the Rishabh Pant return and the presence of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, led to a team sheet that legendary spinner Anil Kumble slammed publicly.

Speaking on the official broadcast before play, Kumble did not hold back his confusion over the India playing XI. "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?" Kumble questioned.

He pointed out that the team was overloaded with similar players. "It’s a team full of all-rounders," Kumble stated, noting that besides Jadeja, Axar, and Sundar, he also considers Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel as all-rounders. This selection points to a specific strategy from the team management under Shubman Gill's captaincy.

The selection also meant India went in with four spinners and only two fast bowlers. Kumble found this decision puzzling on a Day 1 pitch. "I certainly expected 3 spinners... one of them will certainly get under-bowled," he remarked, emphasizing that this puts extra pressure on the new-ball bowlers.

Coincidentally, this unusual lineup set a new record for the India cricket team: the first time in history India has fielded six left-handed batters in a Test match.

As the IND vs SA Test match gets underway, the focus will be intense. Fans watching the Kolkata Test highlights will be eager to see if this strange, all-rounder-heavy strategy pays off, or if Kumble's sharp criticism about the team's lack of balance proves correct.

Image Source: BCCI