Champions Trophy 2025: Anil Kumble weighs in on what makes South Africa’s a complete bowling attack

Kagiso Rabada. (Photo Source: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

South Africa have been in sensational nick in the ongoing edition of the Champions Trophy.The team has been in extraordinary bowling form, taking all of their opposition’s wickets in their respective group-stage games against Afghanistan and England, respectively.

Former Indian cricketer, Anil Kumble, shed light on the diverse characteristics which made each of the bowlers of the Proteas’ three-pronged pace attack unique.

“I think one good thing about South Africa is that all three of their fast bowlers that played today (against England) – of course, Mulder is the one who bowls the middle periods – but if you look at the three tall fast bowlers, all of them are really tall. And all of them are different. Their angles are very different. Rabada is very classical whereas Ngidi is pretty awkward to face with his action and Marco Jansen comes at such height,” shared Kumble, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“So, all three are very different. So, that’s the nature you want in a one-day (international). That’s the variation. Even on a flat track, it’s not easy for the batters to line up because all three are very different. And that’s something that South Africa can certainly feel [confident] they have this kind of a quality and also the variety going into the business end of the tournament,” he added.

‘He’s a complete package for South Africa’ – Anil Kumble on Marco Jansen

The ex-Indian coach heaped huge praise on Marco Jansen for becoming South Africa’s leading all-rounders. He also lauded the “steep bounce” Jansen was able to extract off almost any kind of track.

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