India’s 30-run loss to South Africa in the first test at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, has raised several questions. Former Indian cricketers and analysts have strongly criticized the head coach, Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Experts have expressed that the reason for the loss has been a poor team choice plan and the absence of openness. The Indian team was dismissed at just 93 runs chasing 124 in their second innings, handing them their first loss in 13 years at Eden Gardens.
Gambhir and Agarkar’s choices have come under close examination following the loss, especially their decision to field four spinners and constrain seamers, as well as startling exclusions in the lineup. Former pacer Venkatesh Prasad was particularly harsh on social media (X).
He alleged that the management was overthinking the plan and lacking consistency in selection: “Selections without clarity, over-tactical thinking are backfiring.” Pointing out that favorable outcomes have been infrequent, he said India’s Test strategy under Gautam Gambhir has been bad.
Others echoed the sentiment. Mohammad Kaif, another ex-India player, proposed that the dressing room is full of confusion and insecurity and that players seem more frightened than confident.
Dodda Ganesh, meanwhile, called the exclusion of young batsman Sai Sudharsan ‘nonsensical’ given his recent form and contended India needed a batsman rather than an extra spinner.
On a pitch some contend was created exactly as Gambhir sought, the spin pair of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj took advantage of India’s vulnerability, a fact Gambhir has justified.
Keshav Maharaj took two quick wickets, whereas Harmer claimed eight wickets to close off the tail. As the second Test approaches, calls for transparency from the Indian leadership are increasing.
Analysts caution that Gambhir and Agarkar’s reign may come under even more pressure without a clearer vision and more open decision-making.
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