Past India The pacer has launched a scathing criticism of the Indian team management and selectors India’s shock defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden GardensKolkata. Despite holding most of the match, India suffered a dramatic collapse on Day 3, gutting out a total of 93 while chasing the total.
Shubman GillHis absence in the second innings added to India’s woes after he retired due to a neck injury in the first. The incident failed to focus on the bigger issues the former India player pointed out – “confusing choices” and an over-reliance on short-term tactical thinking. Gill was taken to hospital for observation, but questions about the squad’s training and balance overshadowed his injury concerns.
Veteran Cricketer Questions Approach by Gautam Gambhir and AjIt Agarkar
In a powerful post on social media, Venkatesh Prasad In India’s recent Test performances, the head coach expressed his disappointment in singing Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for lack of directions. He noted that while India have impressed in white-ball formats under Gambhir, the Test results tell a different story.
“Without clarity and extreme tactical thinking, options are withdrawn. Our red ball planning has no purpose“Prasad knew that the management’s inconsistent choices had stabilized the balance of the team.
When we were great at white-ball cricket.
With this kind of planning, we cannot call ourselves the best test side.
Without clarity and extreme tactical thinking, options are withdrawn. Poor results in a year in a series of banned tests taken in England. . #Indvssa– Venkatesh Prasad (@hevenkateshprasad) November 16, 2025
Since Gambhir’s appointment, India’s Test record has been inconsistent with their losses Australia and South Africa and a number of series English being the only silver lining. Critics say the indiscriminate use of repeated changes in the batting order, unclear middle-order roles and inconsistent usage has hampered India’s stability. Prasad’s will reignited the ongoing debate over whether India’s red-ball priorities should follow short-format success.
Read: Final after Team India’s WTC defeat in Kolkata Test against South Africa
South Africa’s spinners seal a famous victory against India in the Kolkata Test
South Africa’s victory was built on an outstanding spin duo Simon’s appearance and Keshav MaharajThose who use my Garden of Eden wear to perfection. Harmer recorded figures of 4-30 in India’s first innings and another four wickets in the second, finishing with eight wickets in the match. His dismissal Rishabh pants It was a turning point with a turning point in a sharp and bent moment, breaking India’s resistance during a tense second session.
Keshav Maharaj Two crucial breakthroughs were added in consecutive balls to clear India’s tail and seal the result for the proteas. South African captain Temba Bavuma Earlier, giving something to defend his humanity, he hit an unbeaten 55 to lift the side from 91-7 to 153.
The defeat quelled questions over India’s direction in the longest format. Second test, pressures to answer with calculation and clarity in gambhir and agarkar. As Prasad’s criticism continues to resonate on social media, the team’s next selection and strategy will come under closer scrutiny from fans and former players.
Read: Dale Steyn highlights ‘demons’ at Eden Gardens after India’s first Test defeat to South Africa
