'Root is to England what Virat-Rohit are to India': Kumble
Cardiff, July 17
Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble feels that Joe Root's impact for England is similar to what Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have on Indian cricket after the veteran played a brilliant unbeaten 99-run knock to help the hosts level the series 1-1 by registering a four-wicket win in the second ODI.
Root anchored England's chase of 234 with a composed 99 not out off 133 balls to guide England to victory at Sophia Gardens. The veteran opener was left stranded one run short of a century after Gus Atkinson struck the winning boundary with 35 balls to spare.
Reflecting on Root's knock, Kumble highlighted the former England captain's traditional ODI approach and ability to absorb pressure.
"Joe Root is to England what Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are to India. Root is the only batter in that England side who still plays with an old-school ODI mindset. The other batters came out attacking from the start, but Root took his time, anchored the innings, and brought calmness to the chase," Kumble told Jio Hotstar.
"His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps makes him incredibly reliable. You know he won't play a risky shot at the wrong time. That kind of game awareness is invaluable."
Kumble contrasted Root's approach with England captain Harry Brook, saying the conditions demanded patience rather than aggression.
"The difference between Harry Brook and Joe Root was evident. Brook tried to play T20 shots in conditions that didn't allow it, whereas Root produced a masterclass in ODI batting."
The former India coach also compared Root's batting philosophy with that of Kohli and Rohit, crediting all three for their ability to score consistently without taking unnecessary risks.
"What makes Root, Kohli and Rohit so successful is that their run-scoring looks effortless. They don't premeditate. They react to the ball. They play low-risk, high-reward cricket rather than high-risk, high-reward cricket. When you have that kind of class, grace and mindset, it makes life easier for the entire team," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Kumble's analysis is brilliant as always. Root's ability to rotate strike and anchor innings is something England have been missing since the 2019 WC. But let's be honest, comparing him to both Kohli and Rohit together is a bit too much - each of our legends has a unique style. Still, respect for Root's knock!
Interesting take from the legend. But I feel Kumble is downplaying Brook's potential. Every batter has off days. Root's experience showed, yes, but England's aggression has won them a World Cup. Balance is key. Still, good to see an Indian legend appreciating quality cricket from opposition. 😊
Wait, Kumble said Root IS to England what Virat AND Rohit are to India? That implies one Root equals both our batting greats combined. Bit generous, no? Root is world-class but let's not get carried away. One composed knock doesn't make him the sum of Kohli + Rohit. 🤔
Kumble's analysis about "low-risk, high-reward" cricket is exactly why Root, Kohli and Rohit are modern greats. In an era of T20 aggression, these guys show that traditional batting still wins matches. Root's 99* was a masterclass in reading conditions and building an innings. Jai ho! 🇮🇳🏏
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