Kumble Hits Out At India’s Inconsistent Squad Choices

Third T20I Thrashed At Trent Bridge

India suffered a crushing 125‑run loss to England in the third T20I at Trent Bridge, a defeat that left the series perched on a single win for the hosts. The match underscored a pattern of volatility that former legend Anil Kumble believes the board is struggling to control. After the game, Kumble took to JioHotstar’s ‘Match Centre Live’ to air his frustrations.

Kumble Slams Drop Of Kuldeep Yadav

The ex‑captain highlighted the absence of World Cup‑winning spinner Kuldeep Yadav, calling it unfair to sideline a champion after only one sub‑par IPL season. “Kuldeep didn’t have a great IPL, but he is a champion bowler,” Kumble argued, stressing that the player had helped lift the T20 title. He added that the same bowler who lifted the trophy is now missing from both the England tour and the upcoming Zimbabwe series.

Backing Players Through Slumps

Kumble warned that frequent changes to the bowling attack betray the very principle of backing talent through natural ups and downs. “When you pick players, you need to keep backing them,” he said on live TV, noting that failures are a normal part of cricket. He urged the management to identify their core bowlers and stick with them rather than rotating too often.

Age And Relevance Of Kuldeep

The 31‑year‑old spinner, Kumble pointed out, still has “a lot of cricket to offer” and is not a worn‑out veteran. Kuldeep rarely appears in Tests, so he is not “burdened and needs to be rested.” The legend said the team should consider his skill set, especially as a specialist T20 bowler, and give him a chance to prove himself in the upcoming fixtures.

Looking Ahead To The Fourth T20I

India now faces England in the fourth T20I on July 9, with the goal of even­ing the five‑match series. The series currently sits 1‑1 after the decisive third‑game defeat, setting up a clash that will test India’s ability to restore consistency. Fans expect another tightly contested match as both sides aim to seize the momentum.