Senior players and experts called for a rethink of India’s Test strategy as the team faces mounting pressure after sweeping its second home series in 12 months. The outcome of the match had significant consequences Indian World Test Championship (WTC) Standings. and overall confidence in the longest format.
Ravichandran Ashwin defends Gautam Gambhir and shifts blame to players
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwinwho retired from international cricket last year, backed head coach Gautam Gambhir amid the backlash following India’s 0-2 defeat in the home Test series against South Africa. Ashwin argued that the players, not the coach, should take greater responsibility for the collapse, insisting he had not seen ‘sufficient responsibility taken’ to justify blaming the support staff alone. He acknowledged that decision-making can always improve, but said he hates “individual attacks,” stressing that the coach cannot run away and hit, and that the execution ultimately lies with the players.
Venkatesh Prasad slams tactical mistakes and all-rounder obsession
Ex-Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad took a much harder line, rejecting the idea that India could hide behind a ‘transition’ label after successive whitewashes at home. Pointing out that, barring young faces like Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Reddy, most of the squad had been around for seven to eight years, he labeled the 0-2 scoreline as a product of ‘tactical errors’, an obsession with all-rounders and a stubborn refusal to learn from past mistakes. “embarrassing.”
We cannot hide under the cloak of transition.
Except for Sudarshan, Jurel and Reddy, most of the boys have been around for seven to eight years. Some very experienced campaigners. This is a series of tactical mistakes, an obsession with playing all-rounders and not wanting to learn from mistakes.…— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) November 26, 2025
Dinesh Karthik questions the team selection chaos
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 “lick their lips” after two home injuries in 12 months. He criticized 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 the constant chopping and changing at number 3, wondering whether the shuffling between Washington Sundar in Kolkata and Sai Sudharsan in Guwahati helped or hurt India’s quest for stability.
Mohammad Kaif and Anil Kumble call for rethinking India’s Test vision
Former batsman Mohammad Kaif called the second consecutive home whitewash “completely disappointing” and accused India of lacking stability, vision and a proper plan in Test cricket. He criticized the contrast between green domestic tracks and rotating Test pitches, arguing that very few batters in the system are groomed with a genuine Test match temperament for home conditions.
Completely disappointed to see the second whitewash at home. No stability, no vision, no plan. Too much chopping and changing. We play on the green court in our own country, but we have turners for tests. There are few batsmen with Test temperament. India needs to rethink its testing strategy at home.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 26, 2025
Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble reiterated his concerns over the chaos and warned that Test cricket “requires a different mentality” and cannot survive amid constant changes in personnel and batting order. He urged the think tank “Sit down and think” on the direction of Indian Test cricket, stressing that with several stalwarts having retired in the last six to eight months, there needs to be a clear long-term vision rather than knee-jerk rotations.
Also READ: “Sack Gautam Gambhir ASAP” – Angry fans target Indian head coach after South Africa suffered a thrashing in Test cricket
Michael Vaughan and Sourav Ganguly offer contrasting large images
Former England captain Michael Vaughan summed up the overseas frustration by branding India “the most underperforming test team” in today’s world, given their talent pool and recent home results. His comment resonated with many fans who see India slipping from their previously dominant home norms.
On the other hand, ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly struck a more optimistic tone, praising South Africa as ‘special’ while describing India as a young side in transition who will improve with time.
Well done Guwahati in the first test.. fantastic test ground..my experience of stadium facilities fantastic..had something for everyone..Jansen 5 wickets batters scored runs and spin coming into play on day 4 and 5.SA was special..young Indian team in transition..they will…
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) November 26, 2025
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