'Test cricket requires a different mindset. With so many changes and numerous all-rounders, you cannot build a stable team. In the last 6–8 months, legends like Virat Kohli, Ashwin, Pujara, and Rohit Sharma have retired, and a clear plan is needed to fill such big shoes.'
These words belong to former Team India captain and head coach Anil Kumble. It's not just Kumble; several legendary cricketers have taken aim at Team India's management, especially Gautam Gambhir.
Post the 0-2 Test series defeat to South Africa, former players have sharply criticized Team India's selection approach and its reliance on all-rounders. In the second Test at Guwahati, India lost by a mighty 408 runs, marking their biggest defeat by runs in Test history. This loss has prompted numerous cricket stalwarts to question Gautam Gambhir, including Anil Kumble, Venkatesh Prasad, and Kevin Pietersen.
Former captain and head coach Anil Kumble raised major questions about coach Gautam Gambhir's strategy, criticizing the frequent changes in team composition under his leadership. The constant introduction of new players, reshuffling the batting order, and over-reliance on all-rounders are causing instability.
Read More: 'My Future with BCCI, but…', says Gautam Gambhir after a crushing 0-2 series defeat to South Africa.
He reminded that during Gambhir's era, India lost a home series 0-3 to New Zealand, relinquished the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia, and now lost a series to South Africa at home for the first time in 25 years.
Kumble observed - There's a complete imbalance between experience and fresh talent on the team. You can't leave the development of an entire team to chance; if there are 8-9 seasoned players, 1-2 new faces can fit in, but the current scenario is vastly different.
Read More: 'During the Gambhir era, India lost its home dominance, such an outcome in Tests never happened before… Will BCCI make changes?
Former fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad unleashed a barrage of posts on X highlighting India's baffling Test cricket strategy. The obsession with all-rounders, especially when they aren't utilized for bowling, reflects poor strategy, skill, and body language. This results in back-to-back home test series whitewashes. India's approach in Test cricket is deeply disappointing, as the all-rounder obsession is a complete brain fade, especially when they aren't even bowled.
Read More: IND vs SA Test 2 Highlights: India suffers its largest Test defeat, Harmer claims six wickets, South Africa secures 25-year whitewash.
In another post, Prasad expressed disdain over the disregard for domestic cricket, emphasizing the need for specialists in Test cricket. Selection should be based on Ranji and Duleep Trophy performances, not the IPL. He highlighted players like Yash Rathod, Shubham Sharma, Baba Indrajith, and Smaran Ravichandran, who excelled domestically but are overlooked due to IPL inattention. Prasad argues these players are consistently scoring runs and deserve opportunities. Choosing players with averages under 40 based on IPL performances is incorrect.
His scathing remarks on team selection warned against including all-rounders solely for their scoring potential in India's tailored conditions, which is not the essence of Test cricket. Prasad contends that Test cricket demands specialists, and witnessing the current situation saddens those passionate about Indian cricket.
Kevin Pietersen also expressed shock over India's loss, sarcastically noting that India never loses at home. The former English captain queried what had changed in India’s Test cricket over the past couple of years.
India NEVER loses at home, unless some very good players come and play some special knocks in Mumbai…🤣🤣 What’s happened to India in the last couple years in Test Cricket? 🏏
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24)
Irfan Pathan also expressed disappointment over India's loss, highlighting the weakness in Indian batsmen's techniques. The inability to handle spin or demonstrate patience led to South Africa outplaying India in all departments.
South Africa defeated India by a stunning 408-run margin in the Guwahati Test. India was set a daunting target of 549 runs. However, on the fifth day of the match, Wednesday, the Indian team managed to score only 140 runs. Consequently, India suffered a 408-run loss, marking its largest by runs in Test cricket history. Previously, in the 2004 Nagpur Test, Australia defeated India by 342 runs.
Thus, South Africa managed a 2-0 series whitewash. Under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma, the South African team declared their first innings at 489 runs and their second innings at 260/5d, setting a formidable target of 549 runs for India.
