Former India captain Anil Kumble believes the national Test side is feeling the impact of an unprecedented transition phase in its top order, triggered by the collective exit of several senior batters
and the absence of skipper Shubman Gill.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble highlighted how the back-to-back retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara, alongside Ajinkya Rahane's non-selection and Gill's injury layoff, have created instability that is now reflecting in India's batting performances.
Kohli and Rohit called time on their Test careers in May, Pujara followed in August, and Rahane last featured in July 2023. Gill, meanwhile, was ruled out of the South Africa series due to a neck injury suffered in the first Test. According to Kumble, the combination of all these departures has left India's batting order in unfamiliar territory.
"The other aspect of also, you know, I want to bring this point about India's batting. Over the last three or four years, you have seen four batters in the top five either retire or not be picked," he said.
"You know, if it is, you know, Virat Kohli is retired, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, then you have, of course. Rahane. So four out of five, plus Shubman Gill isn't in this lineup. Yes, India did miss Shubman, the captain, but also, more importantly, missed him as a batter," Kumble added.
He explained that such a dramatic overhaul in the top order can unsettle even seasoned players, especially when they are constantly adjusting to new combinations and roles. Kumble stressed that India needs continuity and patience with the emerging group.
"Yes, they will come good, they will be off days. It is just a matter of supporting them for a period of six, seven, or eight Tests. But if you look back at the last, what, 10-12 Tests, the batting orders at the top have been up and down," he pointed out.
"There have been a lot of changes there, so that is, I am sure, a bit unsettling for the players too. So looking at all of that and the effort here, you know, you feel disappointed. You expected the effort to be better," Kumble said.
