As India stands on the brink of a second home Test series whitewash within 12 months, Vikash Kohli, the elder brother of cricket legend Virat Kohli, has launched a stinging critique at coach Gautam Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. Blaming them for the team's plummeting status, his posts went viral even though they were deleted shortly after. This digital diatribe came when India was struggling in the Guwahati Test, chasing a daunting 549, with two key wickets lost on the fourth day.
From December 2012 to October 2024, India remained undefeated in home Test series. This powerhouse team was forged under the astute leadership of Virat Kohli, who transferred the reins to Rohit Sharma at the beginning of 2022. During Kohli's tenure, India achieved a formidable reputation, securing consecutive Border-Gavaskar Trophies in Australia, rising as one of the most successful visiting teams.
Highlighting the stark contrast between past and present, Vikash used Instagram threads to lament how a team that once dreamt of overseas victories now strives to save matches at home. He accused the BCCI of implementing 'unnecessary and obstinate changes,' pointing fingers at these as the cause of the team’s decline.
Deleted Post Insight -
Source: aajtak
'There was a time when we ventured abroad to win... and now we are striving to save matches even at home... When you forcibly change things that are working perfectly, this is the outcome.'
In another post, Vikash made a sensational claim that Rohit and Kohli did not quit Test cricket but were, in fact, 'ousted.'
Source: aajtak
Drawing comparisons between Indian and South African team structures, Vikash noted that the Proteas fielded a 'pure Test team,' whereas India replaced senior players with all-rounders, even sending Washington Sundar to bat at number 3.
He articulated, 'Team India's Strategy - Oust senior players, remove genuine batsmen for positions 3/4/5, deploy bowlers at number 3, fill the team with all-rounders only... South Africa's Strategy - Specialist opener, specialist middle-order, specialist spinner, specialist fast bowler... and just one all-rounder.'
Now pressing questions arise - Who is accountable?'
Since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach in July last year, India faces the threat of a second home whitewash in four Test assignments. Despite a victorious start against Bangladesh, India faltered against New Zealand and lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. These results have edged India out of the WTC final's brink.
After the retirement of Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin, India managed to draw the series 2–2 against England under Shubman Gill's captaincy, albeit it was argued that India should have dominated the weaker English side. The win over West Indies at home brought some respite, yet South Africa's performance has laid bare that India's challenges in Test cricket are far from over.
