Former India captain Anil Kumble believes India’s inability to attack through the middle overs proved costly in the second ODI against England, as the hosts chased down 234 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff to level the three-match series 1-1. India were bowled out for 233 despite half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66).

Defending a below-par total, the visitors made an excellent start with the ball as Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar reduced England to 53/3. However, India failed to capitalise on that position, allowing Joe Root to anchor the chase with an unbeaten 99 and guide England to a four-wicket victory.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble praised India’s new-ball bowlers but felt the lack of a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs ultimately shifted the momentum in England’s favour.

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“It was a really good effort from the Indian team. Defending 233 is never easy in ODI cricket, and the opening spells from Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar were outstanding. They picked up three early wickets and kept India in the contest. But Joe Root’s superb innings took the game away,” Anil Kumble said.

The legendary leg-spinner highlighted India’s fifth bowling option as the biggest concern. According to Kumble, apart from Bumrah, the attack lacked an aggressive bowler capable of breaking crucial partnerships when England began rebuilding.

“The real issue was the fifth bowler. India needed someone who could attack in the middle overs. Bumrah is the only genuine wicket-taking bowler in this attack, while the others mainly played defensive roles. That’s where Kuldeep Yadav could have made a difference. If he continues to be left out, it is a worrying sign for India,” he added.

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Kuldeep has remained on the bench throughout the ODI series, with the team management preferring all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. Kumble believes the left-arm wrist-spinner’s ability to deceive batters with his variations and break partnerships makes him a valuable asset, especially in ODI cricket, where middle-over wickets often decide the outcome of matches.