With the latest loss against South Africa in which South Africa hurting India badly, India suffered two Test clean sweeps in last 1 year.In the second innings of the first Test against South Africa,India failed to chase 124 in the fourth innings. Gautam Gambhir coached side lost by 408 runs in the second match which is the biggest margin of defeat in the format at home. After the series loss against South Africa, Gautam Gambhir has been the target of intense close examination. On the India’s defeat, former India star Parthiv Patel made some interesting observation.
Patel told on star Sports “There are two things. One is the mistake of the coach. The batters and bowlers are doing their job. but the question is, are we playing the right XI? Does India need so many all-rounders in Test cricket? I believe that Test cricket is a game of specialists. You must have six batters. The best thing is you have a wicketkeeper- batter who is among the best and has an average above 40. Then you need four bowlers and one all-rounder,”
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A leading wicket-taker, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble, indicated disappointment with “complete surrender” of India to South Africa, which resulted in India’s first series loss to the South Africa on home soil in 25 years. Kumble told that “constant changes to the playing XI, batting orders, and frequent rotations prevent stability” and that Team India must “deeply reflect.”
JioStar expert Anil Kumble speaking on Cricket Live told, “The results, especially today’s defeat to South Africa and the 3-0 loss to New Zealand, reflect broader issues beyond just outcomes. India appeared well-positioned in some areas but ultimately faltered. What is needed is a different mindset for Test cricket; constant changes to the playing XI, batting orders, and frequent rotations prevent stability. While injuries and form dips are understandable, India must take time to deeply reflect. With the next Test not until August 2026, there is room for thoughtful discussion about the future direction of Indian Test cricket.”
