We would like the openers to get out early: Anil Kumble

India won the first Test match of the three-match series quite convincingly and is looking forward to the second Test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The first Test saw the New Zealand opener, Martin Guptill being dismissed cheaply (for 21 and 0), whereas his opening partner Tom Latham managed to score a fifty in the first innings.

Team India head coach, Anil Kumble said that it is important to get the openers as early as possible as it straight-away gives them the upper hand over the opposition. “It’s important for the opposition. You like the openers to get out early. That’s what we like to look at doing. That’s true of any Test team,” Kumble told the media.

Guptill was primarily trying to be positive and play his shots, but Kumble pointed out that it won’t be easy for someone to come and play his shots on these wickets. Playing in the subcontinent is all about adapting to the conditions, assessing the pitch, getting yourself settled and then going about the business.

“Well it’s never easy for someone to come to the subcontinent and play his shots. He is a strokemaker. We know Guptill is a quality player and it’s not easy coming to the subcontinent having not had good form,” said Kumble.

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From the Indian perspective, he hopes the bad run of Guptill to continue. “From our perspective we hope that continues,” added the 45-year old.

Kumble lamented that India is well aware of the damage he can produce, considering his experience over the years. “We know he has played a lot for New Zealand. He’s done well in the county championship recently as well. We know quite a bit about what he can do. And with his experience I’m sure that’s something we will look out for,” the legendary leg-spinner concluded.