5 players who blossomed under Anil Kumble

Modified Jun 21, 2017 23:12 IST

*Anil Kumble endured a successful tenure as the head coach*

#3 KL Rahul

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Lokesh Rahul of India celebrates and acknowledges the crowd after scoring a century during day three of the Fourth Test match between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) — *Rahul has been one of the most consistent performers for India*

KL Rahul might not have been as prolific as Pujara, but under Kumble, he progressed from being a good batsman to a world class one. In drastic contrast to his days in U-19 cricket, Rahul appeared to over-attack during the initial stages of his international career.

More often than not, he would get out trying to play an expansive shot. His dismissal in the Pune test (for which he received some flak) was yet another example of how he threw his wickets at crucial junctures.

That dismissal, however, changed something in him as he realised just how a match could turn dramatically once a set batsman got out. Needless to say, Kumble certainly had his hand in this change. That India have got an opener who is comfortable against pace and bounce and is consistent is a great bonus for when they play overseas.