Former India captain questions India’s all-rounder-heavy XI after Sudharsan’s shock omission

Anil Kumble expressed astonishment after India dropped Sai Sudharsan for the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, as the team continued its growing preference for all-rounders. India opted for a combination featuring three all-rounders—Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel—with Sundar set to bat at No.3. Dhruv Jurel, who recently struck twin centuries for India A against South Africa A, has been placed at No.6.

India made two changes from their previous Test against the West Indies, bringing in Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sudharsan. Nitish had earlier been released from the main squad to participate in the unofficial ODI series against South Africa A.

Kumble questioned the decision-making behind the balance of the playing XI, saying he did not anticipate Sudharsan being excluded and wondered why the team continues to overload on all-rounders.

“Really surprised with the lineup because I definitely expected Sai Sudarshan to play this Test. Who will bat at No.3? That's the big question. Washington Sundar has been placed at No.3, and India will be bowling first. Four spinners and two fast bowlers,” Kumble said on the official broadcast.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Tim Southee joins KKR as bowling coach

“I expected three spinners and two pacers, which itself is a challenge. On Day 1, the pitch looks good, so you don’t necessarily need four spinners, and one of them is bound to be under-bowled. It will be interesting to see how Shubman Gill manages his resources. The two new-ball bowlers will be crucial on the opening day,” he added.

The former India captain and the country’s highest wicket-taker in Tests admitted he could not fully comprehend the team’s approach.

“It’s all about all-rounders. If Sundar is batting at No.3, then the specialist batters are Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul. The rest are all-rounders. I consider Rishabh Pant an all-rounder,” Kumble said.

“Dhruv Jurel is also an all-rounder, followed by Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Sundar. It’s essentially a team full of all-rounders, and that seems to be India’s strategy across formats,” he added.