South Africa Achieved a historic 2-0 defeat in the test series India In the ongoing tour, their first win on Indian soil in 25 years was recorded. The dominant Proteas thrashed India with a comprehensive performance, including a record 408-run win in the second Test in Guwahati, India’s biggest home defeat by runs. The result highlighted India’s struggles in Test cricket on home soil, with critics pointing to inconsistent team selection, over-reliance on all-rounders and tactical errors as major factors behind the defeat.
Senior players and experts have called for a rethink of India’s Test strategy as the team faces mounting pressure following its second home series defeat in 12 months. The two-match phase has a significant impact on the outcome India’s World Test Championship (WTC) status And overall confidence in the longest format.
Ravichandran Ashwin defends Gautam Gambhir, blames players
Former Indian off spinner Ravichandran AshwinThe veteran, who retired from international cricket last year, supported head coach Gautam Gambhir amid the protests following India’s 0-2 home Test series loss to South Africa. Ashwin argued that the players, not the coach, should take more responsibility for the collapse, insisting that he had “not seen enough responsibility” to justify blaming the support staff alone. He acknowledged that decision-making can always be improved, but said he did not like “personal attacks”, emphasizing that a coach cannot go out to bat, and execution ultimately depends on the players.
Venkatesh Prasad criticized tactical errors and all-round passion
Former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad took a more strident stance, dismissing the idea that India could hide behind the “infection” tag after consecutive home whitewashes. Pointing out that apart from young faces like Sai Sudarshan, Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Reddy, most of the players in the team had been around for seven to eight years, he attributed the 0-2 result to “tactical errors”, obsession with all-rounders and refusal to learn from past mistakes. “embarrassing.”
We cannot hide behind infection.
Barring Sudarshan, Jurel and Reddy, most of the guys have been around for 7-8 years. Some very experienced campaigners. It is a series of tactical errors, all-rounders’ obsession with playing and unwillingness to learn from mistakes.…– Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) 26 November 2025
Dinesh Karthik raised questions on irregularities in team selection
Commentator and former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik highlighted how India’s aura at home has faded, noting that teams once feared touring India for Tests but would now be “licking their lips” after two home whitewashes 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 poor planning. Karthik also questioned the frequent cuts and changes at No. 3 and asked whether the shuffle between Washington Sundar in Kolkata and Sai Sudarshan in Guwahati is helping or hurting India’s quest for stability.
Mohammad Kaif, Anil Kumble call for rethinking India’s Test approach
Former batsman Mohammad Kaif called it the second consecutive domestic whitewash. “Completely disappointing” And accused India of lacking consistency, foresight and proper planning in Test cricket. He criticized the dichotomy between green home tracks and turning Test pitches, arguing that the system was allowing too few batsmen to be prepared for home conditions with true Test-match flair.
Very disappointed to see whitewash at home for the second time. No stability, no vision, no plan. Too much chopping and changing. We play on green pitches in domestic matches but for Tests there are turner pitches. Some batsmen with test temperament. India needs to rethink its Test strategy at home.
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 26 November 2025
Great leg spinner Anil Kumble expressed concern over chaos in Test cricket and warned “A different mindset is required” And cannot survive amid frequent changes in personnel and batting order. He urged the think-tank “Sit and think” Regarding the direction of Indian Test cricket, he stressed that there needs to be a clear long-term vision rather than mindless rotation as many stalwarts have retired in the last 6-8 months.
Michael Vaughan and Sourav Ganguly contrast to paint the bigger picture
Former England captain Michael Vaughan expresses foreign disappointment by branding India “Lowest achieving Test team” in the world right now, given their talent pool and recent domestic results. His comments resonated with many fans who have been watching India slip from their previously dominant domestic standards.
https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1993631480770404702
On the other hand, former India captain Sourav Ganguly struck a more optimistic note, praising South Africa as “special”, while describing India as a young team in transition that will improve with time.
Guwahati did well in the first test.. Great test pitch.. My experience with the stadium facilities was fantastic.. It had something for everyone.. Johnson’s 5 wickets. The batsmen were scoring runs and playing spin on the 4th and 5th day. South Africa was special.. The young Indian team is in a phase of change.. They will get…
– Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) 26 November 2025
