Former India pacer has launched a scathing critique on the Indian group administration and selectors following India’s surprising defeat to South Africa within the first Take a look at on the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Regardless of holding the higher hand for a lot of the match, India suffered a dramatic collapse on Day 3, getting bundled out for simply 93 whereas chasing 124. The consequence handed South Africa a 1-0 lead within the two-match sequence and uncovered deep flaws in India’s red-ball technique underneath the present management.
Shubman Gill’s absence within the second innings, after being retired harm attributable to a neck harm within the first, added to India’s woes. The incident, nevertheless, couldn’t justify the bigger points the ex-India participant identified — what he known as “complicated picks” and over-dependence on short-term tactical pondering. Gill had been taken to the hospital for statement, however questions on group preparation and steadiness overshadowed his harm considerations.
Veteran cricketer questions Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar’s method
In a strongly worded submit on social media, Venkatesh Prasad expressed frustration over India’s latest Take a look at performances, singling out head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for his or her lack of route. He famous that whereas India has carried out admirably in white-ball codecs underneath Gambhir’s steering, its Take a look at outcomes inform one other story.
“Picks with out readability and over-tactical pondering are backfiring. Our red-ball planning has lacked goal,” Prasad wrote, alleging that the administration’s inconsistent picks have destabilized group steadiness.
Whereas we’ve got been wonderful in white- ball cricket.
We will’t name ourselves a high Take a look at facet with such planning.
Picks with out readability and over-tactical pondering are backfiring. Poor outcomes over a 12 months in exams barring a drawn sequence in England. . #IndvsSA— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) November 16, 2025
Since Gambhir’s appointment, India’s Take a look at report has been inconsistent, with defeats in Australia and South Africa and a drawn sequence in England being the one silver lining. Critics argue that repeated modifications in batting order, unclear middle-order roles, and inconsistent use of spinners have hampered India’s stability. Prasad’s remarks rekindled the continued debate on whether or not India’s red-ball priorities have been compromised in pursuit of short-format success.
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South Africa’s spinners seal a well-known win towards India in Kolkata Take a look at
South Africa’s victory was constructed on the excellent spin duo of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, who exploited the sporting Eden Gardens pitch to perfection. Harmer recorded figures of 4-30 in India’s first innings and adopted it with one other four-wicket haul within the second, ending with eight wickets within the match. His dismissal of Rishabh Pant through a pointy caught-and-bowled was a turning level, breaking India’s resistance throughout a tense second session.
Keshav Maharaj added essential breakthroughs, placing twice in successive balls to scrub up India’s tail and seal the consequence for the Proteas. South African captain Temba Bavuma performed a significant hand earlier, scoring an unbeaten 55 to raise his facet from 91-7 to 153 all out, giving their bowlers one thing to defend.
The defeat has raised urgent questions on India’s route within the longest format. With the second Take a look at looming, stress mounts on Gambhir and Agarkar to reply with accountability and readability. As Prasad’s criticism continues to echo throughout social media, the group’s subsequent choice and technique shall be underneath intense scrutiny from followers and former gamers alike.
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