IND v SA 2025: WATCH- Anil Kumble’s epic reaction to KL Rahul’s clean bowled dismissal in second innings

India have to chase 549-run target to win the second Test against South Africa.

Former India captain Anil Kumble was left frustrated to see the manner in which opener KL Rahul was dismissed by Simon Harmer in the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati. India is chasing a mammoth target of 549 runs and has already lost two wickets at stumps on day four.

South Africa’s decision to bat in the second innings paid rich dividends as Tristan Stubbs (94), Tony de Zorzi (49), and Ryan Rickelton (35) powered them to 260/5d. For India, Ravindra Jadeja picked 4/62 as they embarked on a mammoth chase.

Yashasvi Jaiswal started positively but was caught out behind for 13 runs off Marco Jansen, but the big wicket of KL Rahul went to spinner Simon Harmer.

Harmer bowled an innocuous-looking delivery outside off stump on the rough, and KL Rahul went for an expansive drive. The ball turned in to Rahul sharply and slipped past the inside edge and crashed into the stumps, much to India’s troubles.

KL Rahul had made six runs in 30 balls as India ended day four on 27/2 with Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan at the crease.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul’s dismissal evoked frustration from Anil Kumble, who was commentating, and a viral video showed the legendary spinner mimicking the way Rahul played away from his body and got out.

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Kumble analysed Rahul's dismissal and criticized his technique and decision-making under pressure.

“I think it was a fantastic delivery by Simon, no doubt. But KL went for the shot without getting to the pitch of the ball. Because of the revolutions Simon Harmer put on the ball, it got a bit of dip, and the line was perfect,” he said on Cricket Live.

“Generally, on a fourth- or fifth-day pitch with enough roughness, you tend to cover all three stumps because LBW is unlikely from that angle—the impact is usually outside off-stump. That’s why I was a bit surprised. KL Rahul is experienced. He did take center-stump guard, but his off-stump was still visible.

Ideally, if you stand on middle-and-off, you can reach the ball comfortably or defend it. But standing on middle-and-leg exposes the off-stump and forces you to reach for the ball,” Kumble added.

“Maybe it was a lapse in concentration. He thought it was drivable, but the ball dipped, credit to Harmer. He looked to drive and ended up falling to a perfect off-spinner’s dismissal,” Kumble concluded.