NEW DELHI: Former Indian captain Anil Kumble didn’t hold back while commenting on Virat Kohli's run-out on Day 1 of the third Test against New Zealand, describing the dismissal as 'suicidal'.
India, who ended the day at 86/4 in reply to NZ's 235, will begin Day 2 with Shubman Gill (31*) and Rishabh Pant (1*) at the crease as the hosts work to close the 149-run deficit.
On Team India's sudden collapse late in the day, Kumble said it's more than a concern at the moment.
"You can't have this repeatedly happening in every game, so it's more than a concern at the moment. You had an opportunity to get inside with just one wicket down of Rohit Sharma. And then yes, Jaiswal gets out and the night watchman comes in and gets out first ball, then this (Kohli run-out)," said Kumble, while talking on Jio Cinema, after the end of day's play.
Kumble pointed out that Kohli’s aggressive instincts may have led to a risky single that ultimately cost India a crucial wicket. He emphasized that such moments can disrupt the team’s momentum, especially when an experienced batter like Kohli is dismissed unnecessarily.
"Nobody expected the run-out. This was certainly not something that you expect of Virat Kohli getting run out in the last over or last few minutes of a day's play. And it was something that he just hit the shot and then went straight for a run, which is suicidal," the former cricketer added.
In 2024, Virat Kohli has accumulated 249 runs across six Tests and ten innings so far, with just one fifty and a highest score of 70.
However, in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, Kohli's performance has been more consistent. He has scored 560 runs in nine Tests, including a century and three fifties across 15 innings, with a best score of 121.
