East India The fast bowler has strongly criticized the Indian team management and selectors. India’s shocking defeat to South Africa in the first test at Eden GardensKolkata. Despite holding the lead for most of the match, India suffered a dramatic collapse on the third day, being bundled out for just 93 runs while chasing 124. The result gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and exposed deep flaws in India’s red-ball strategy under the current leadership.
Shubman GillHis absence in the second innings compounded India’s problems after he retired hurt due to a neck injury in the first innings. However, this incident could not justify the bigger issues pointed out by the former Indian player – what he called “confused selection” and over-reliance on short-term tactical thinking. Gill was taken to hospital for observation, but questions about the team’s preparation and balance overshadowed his injury concerns.
Veteran cricketer raised questions on the attitude of Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar
In a strongly worded post on social media, Venkatesh Prasad Expressing disappointment over India’s recent Test performance and blaming the head coach Gautam Gambhir and main selector Ajit Agarkar For their directionlessness. He said that India has performed commendably in the white-ball format under Gambhir’s guidance, but its Test results tell a different story.
,Choices without clarity and hyper-strategic thinking are having adverse effects. Our red-ball plan lacks purpose” Prasad wrote, alleging that inconsistent selection of management has destabilized the team balance.
Whereas we have been excellent in white ball cricket.
With such a plan we cannot call ourselves a top Test team.
Choices without clarity and hyper-strategic thinking are having adverse effects, The year saw poor results in Tests, except for a drawn series in England, , #IndvsSA– Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) 16 November 2025
Since Gambhir’s appointment, India’s Test record has been inconsistent, including defeats Australia and South Africa and a drawn series England The only ray of hope. Critics argue that frequent changes in the batting order, unclear middle-order roles and inconsistent use of spinners have hindered India’s stability. Prasad’s comments reignited the ongoing debate over whether India’s red-ball priorities have been compromised for the success of the shorter format.
South African spinners registered a famous win against India in the Kolkata Test
The foundation of South Africa’s victory was based on the excellent spin pair. simon harmer And Keshav MaharajWho took full advantage of the worn out pitch of Eden Gardens. Harmer recorded figures of 4–30 in India’s first innings and followed this with four wickets in the second innings to take eight wickets in the match. his dismissal Rishabh Pant There was a turning point, through a sharp catch-and-bowl, which broke India’s resistance during a tense second session.
Keshav Maharaj Added crucial breakthroughs by striking twice on consecutive balls, which wiped out India and secured the result for the Proteas. south african captain Temba Bavuma The former played an important role, scoring an unbeaten 55 to take his team from 91-7 to 153 all out, giving their bowlers a chance to defend.
This defeat has raised serious questions on India’s direction in the longest format. With the second Test approaching, the pressure has increased on Gambhir and Agarkar to respond with accountability and clarity. As Prasad’s criticism continues to resonate on social media, the team’s next selection and strategy will be under intense scrutiny from fans and former players.
