Anil Kumble Compares Joe Root to India's Kohli and Rohit After ODI Heroics

Shillong, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Cardiff: Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble has drawn an intriguing comparison between Joe Root's contributions to the England cricket team and the impact that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have on Indian cricket. This comparison comes in the wake of Root's impressive unbeaten 99-run performance, which played a crucial role in helping England level the ODI series 1-1 against India with a four-wicket victory in the second One Day International (ODI).

Root's innings was a masterclass in traditional ODI batting, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings under pressure. He faced 133 balls to score his 99 runs, demonstrating both patience and skill as he guided England to chase down a target of 234 runs at Sophia Gardens. Despite being one run short of a century, Root's contribution was pivotal, especially as he was left stranded when Gus Atkinson struck the winning boundary with 35 balls to spare.

Reflecting on Root’s performance, Kumble emphasized the significance of Root's traditional approach to the game, particularly in the context of modern ODI cricket, which often leans towards aggressive and high-risk batting strategies. Kumble noted that Root's style is reminiscent of the classic ODI mindset, which is increasingly rare in contemporary cricket. He stated, "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."

This perspective highlights the importance of having a player like Root in the lineup, who can stabilize the innings when the team is under pressure. Kumble pointed out that Root's ability to rotate the strike and find gaps in the field makes him an incredibly reliable player. He remarked, "You know he won’t play a risky shot at the wrong time. That kind of game awareness is invaluable." This reliability is crucial in ODIs, where the balance between aggression and caution can often dictate the outcome of the match.

Kumble also contrasted Root’s approach with that of England captain Harry Brook, who, according to Kumble, struggled to adapt to the conditions during the match. Kumble noted, "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." This observation emphasizes the need for adaptability in cricket, particularly in ODIs where pitch conditions can vary significantly and influence batting strategies.

In further analysis, Kumble compared Root's batting philosophy to that of Kohli and Rohit, highlighting their shared ability to score runs consistently while minimizing risks. He stated, "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." This insight underscores the importance of having players who can not only accumulate runs but also set a tone of composure and strategic thinking within the team dynamics.

The implications of Kumble's comments extend beyond just the individual performances of Root, Kohli, and Rohit. They highlight a broader trend in cricket where the balance between aggression and caution is increasingly scrutinized. In recent years, the game has witnessed a shift towards more aggressive batting styles, particularly in ODIs and T20s, with players often seeking to score runs quickly. However, as Kumble points out, having players who can anchor the innings and play a more traditional role is equally vital, especially in high-pressure situations.

This discussion also brings to light the evolving nature of cricket strategies and how different players adapt their games to suit various formats. While the aggressive approach may work in T20 cricket, ODIs often require a more nuanced understanding of the game, where building partnerships and rotating the strike can be more beneficial than going for big hits. The ability to assess the situation and play accordingly is a skill that separates great players from the rest.

As the series progresses, the focus on player performances will continue to be a topic of interest for analysts and fans alike. The contrasting styles of players like Root and Brook serve as a reminder of the diverse strategies that teams can employ in pursuit of victory. With the cricketing world keenly observing these developments, the significance of Kumble's comparison may resonate as teams look to find the right balance between aggression and stability in their batting line-ups.

In a related note, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu remarked, 'Stopping Harry Kane will be France’s biggest challenge.' This comment reflects the ongoing discussions in sports about the importance of key players and their impact on the outcome of matches. Just as Root’s performance was crucial for England, the ability to contain star players like Kane can often dictate the success of a team in competitive scenarios.

The role of an anchor in a cricket team is often understated, yet it is critical in the context of limited-overs formats where the pressure can mount quickly. The ability to remain calm and collected, as demonstrated by Root, can be the difference between winning and losing. This is particularly true in ODIs, where chasing teams frequently face pressure to achieve a target within a set number of overs. Anil Kumble's observations shine a light on the necessity for teams to have players who can adapt their game to the situation at hand, balancing aggression with caution.

Moreover, the comparison between Root and Indian stalwarts Kohli and Rohit also speaks volumes about the evolution of batting styles in cricket. In an era where power hitting is often glorified, the value of players who can construct an innings methodically is becoming more apparent. The ability to build partnerships, rotate the strike, and maintain composure can be invaluable, particularly in tight matches where every run counts.

As cricket continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how teams adopt these insights into their strategies moving forward. Teams may look to cultivate more players who can embody this duality of aggression and stability, ensuring they have the right mix of talent to adapt to various match situations. The cricketing landscape is undoubtedly shifting, and players like Joe Root, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma will continue to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the game.

In conclusion, Kumble's comparison between Joe Root and the likes of Kohli and Rohit underscores the importance of having a balanced batting lineup in ODIs. As teams adapt to the pressures of modern cricket, the ability to anchor an innings while still scoring runs efficiently will remain a critical component of success. The ongoing series between England and India serves as a platform for these discussions, as players from both sides look to find their footing in a rapidly changing cricketing environment.