Anil Kumble, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed his astonishment at how KL Rahul was dismissed on Day 4 of the ongoing Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati.

As India chased a daunting target of 549 runs, they ended Day 4 with two wickets down, still requiring 522 runs for victory. KL Rahul managed to score only six runs off 29 balls before being dismissed by South African spinner Simon Harmer. This dismissal occurred at a crucial juncture during the final session of play. Harmer, who was brought into the attack, made an immediate impact in his first over, bowling a clever delivery that drifted in and sharply dipped into the rough patches outside the off stump. Anticipating a full delivery to drive, Rahul advanced but misjudged the ball, playing across the line instead. The ball spun sharply, eluded the inside edge, and crashed into the stumps.

During a discussion on the JioStar show 'Cricket Live', Kumble commended Harmer's delivery but pointed out that Rahul made a mistake by attempting to drive without properly positioning himself to the ball. Kumble speculated that this might have stemmed from a momentary lapse in focus, leading to a classic off-spinner's dismissal.

"It was undoubtedly a brilliant delivery from Simon. However, KL went for the shot without getting to the ball's pitch. Due to the revolutions Harmer imparts, the ball dipped, and the line was impeccable. On a fourth or fifth-day pitch with sufficient rough, players typically cover all three stumps since LBW is less likely from that angle, usually impacting outside off-stump. This is why I found it surprising. KL Rahul is an experienced player. He did take center-stump guard, but his off-stump was still visible," Kumble remarked.

"Ideally, standing on middle-and-off allows you to comfortably reach or defend the ball. However, positioning on middle-and-leg exposes the off-stump and compels you to stretch for the ball, bringing short leg into play. Otherwise, you would need to play off the back foot. Perhaps it was a moment of distraction. He believed it was a ball he could drive, but the ball dipped, credit to Harmer. He aimed to drive and ultimately fell victim to a classic off-spinner's dismissal," Kumble elaborated.