Table of Contents
- Ravichandran Ashwin defends Gautam Gambhir, pins blame on players
- Venkatesh Prasad slams tactical errors and all-rounder obsession
- Dinesh Karthik questions chaos in team selection
- Mohammad Kaif, Anil Kumble call for rethink of India’s Test vision
- Michael Vaughan and Sourav Ganguly offer contrasting big-picture views
South Africa achieved a historic 2-0 Test series whitewash over India in the ongoing tour, marking their first triumph on Indian soil in 25 years. The dominant Proteas outclassed India with comprehensive performances, including a record 408-run victory in the second Test at Guwahati, which was India’s biggest-ever home defeat by runs. This result highlighted India’s struggles in Test cricket at home, with critics pointing to inconsistent team selection, excessive reliance on all-rounders, and tactical errors as key factors behind the defeat.
Senior players and experts called for a rethink of India’s Test strategy as the team faces mounting pressure following second home series sweep within 12 months. The outcome of the two-match leg has had significant repercussions on India’s World Test Championship (WTC) standings and overall confidence in the longest format.
Ravichandran Ashwin defends Gautam Gambhir, pins blame on players
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, backed head coach Gautam Gambhir amid the backlash following India’s 0-2 home Test series defeat to South Africa. Ashwin argued that the players, not the coach, must take greater responsibility for the collapse, insisting he had not seen “enough responsibility taken” to justify blaming only the support staff. He acknowledged that decision-making can always improve but said he dislikes “individual attacks,” stressing that the coach cannot walk out and bat, and that execution ultimately lies with the players.
Venkatesh Prasad slams tactical errors and all-rounder obsession
Ex-India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad took a far harsher line, rejecting the idea that India could hide behind a “transition” tag after back-to-back home whitewashes. Pointing out that apart from young faces like Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Reddy, most of the squad had been around for seven to eight years, he labelled the 0-2 result a product of “tactical errors,” an obsession with all-rounders and a stubborn refusal to learn from past mistakes, calling the outcome “embarrassing.”
We cannot hide under the garb of transition.
Barring Sudarshan, Jurel and Reddy, most of the guys have been around for 7-8 years. Some very experienced campaigners. This is a series of tactical errors , obsession with playing all-rounders and not wanting to learn from mistakes.…— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad)
Dinesh Karthik questions chaos in team selection
Commentator and former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik highlighted how India’s aura at home has faded, noting that teams once dreaded touring India for Tests but would now “be licking their lips” after two home whitewashes in 12 months. He criticised the repeated use of multiple all-rounders and cited Nitish Reddy’s minimal red-ball bowling workload as an example of muddled planning. Karthik also questioned constant chopping and changing at No. 3, asking whether shuffling between Washington Sundar in Kolkata and Sai Sudharsan in Guwahati was helping or hurting India’s quest for stability.
Mohammad Kaif, Anil Kumble call for rethink of India’s Test vision
Former batter Mohammad Kaif called the second successive home whitewash “utterly disappointing” and accused India of lacking stability, vision and a proper plan in Test cricket. He criticised the contrast between green domestic tracks and turning Test pitches, arguing that very few batters in the system are being groomed with a true Test-match temperament for home conditions.
Utterly disappointed to see second white wash at home. No stability, no vision, no plan. Too much chopping and changing. We play on green track in domestic but have turners for Tests. Few batsmen with Test temperament. India needs to rethink their Test strategy at home.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif)
Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble echoed concerns over chaos, warning that Test cricket “requires a different mindset” and cannot survive amid constant changes in personnel and batting order. He urged the think-tank to “sit down and think” about the direction of Indian Test cricket, stressing that with several stalwarts having retired in the last 6-8 months, there must be a clear long-term vision rather than knee-jerk rotations.
Michael Vaughan and Sourav Ganguly offer contrasting big-picture views
Former England captain Michael Vaughan summed up overseas frustration by branding India “the most under-achieving Test team” in the world right now, given their talent pool and recent home results. His remark resonated with many fans who see India slipping from their previously dominant home standards.
//twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1993631480770404702
On the other hand, ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly struck a more optimistic note, praising South Africa as “special” while describing India as a young side in transition that will improve with time.
Well done Guwahati on the first test .. fantastic test pitch..my experience of stadium facilities superb..had something for everyone..Jansen 5 wickets batters scoring runs and spin coming into play on day4 and 5 .SA were special..young indian team on transition..they will get…
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99)
