IND vs SA 2nd Test: KL Rahul’s Controversial Dismissal Draws Frustrated Reaction from Anil Kumble, Video Goes Viral

Guwahati: Former Indian captain and veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble was seen visibly frustrated during live commentary in the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati, following a questionable dismissal of opener KL Rahul. The clip of Kumble’s reaction has now gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from cricket fans.

India’s batting woes continued on the fourth day of the Test, putting them under threat of a 0-2 series whitewash. Team India needed their openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, to hold their wickets and bat for a draw. However, both fell by the evening, leaving fans and commentators frustrated.

Kumble’s visible irritation stemmed from Rahul’s dismissive shot against off-spinner Simon Harmer. The delivery, pitched outside off-stump with drift and turn, saw Rahul play an ill-timed forward drive. With just six runs on the board, Rahul misjudged the flight and failed to get his foot properly to the pitch, leaving his off-stump exposed and resulting in his dismissal.

Analyzing the Shot
Speaking during the broadcast, Kumble explained the dismissal in detail: “Harmer bowled a superb off-spin delivery that dipped sharply. KL Rahul committed to the shot too early, without getting close enough to the pitch. He didn’t use his pads to defend, leaving him vulnerable. On rough pitches outside off-stump on the fourth or fifth day, batters usually cover the three stumps, reducing the LBW risk. Rahul’s off-stump was exposed, and this minor lapse proved costly. Harmer deserves credit, but KL played a shot that simply wasn’t ideal.”

Viral Video Sparks Discussion
Kumble’s frustration was evident as he mimicked Rahul’s shot while analyzing it live—a gesture quickly noticed by fans and shared widely online. The viral clip sparked discussions across social media, highlighting both Rahul’s poor footwork and Kumble’s candid commentary style.

Fans following the match on live broadcast captured the moment, appreciating Kumble’s honest analysis while also debating India’s ongoing batting struggles against South African spinners.