Johannesburg, South Africa – India suffered a historic defeat at the hands of South Africa on Thursday, losing the second Test by an innings and 32 runs and completing a series whitewash for the Proteas. This marks India’s largest defeat in Test cricket by runs.
The loss adds notable pressure to India head coach Gautam Gambhir,who took charge in July 2024. Under his leadership, India has won seven Tests but lost ten, including a 3-1 defeat in Australia last december and January, and a 2-2 draw in England this summer. This series defeat follows a previous loss to New Zealand.
India’s two Test series victories during Gambhir’s tenure have come against Bangladesh and West Indies, currently ranked ninth and eighth respectively in the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings.
The result has sparked criticism from cricket commentators. Harsha Bhogle posted on X, stating: “There was an aura around the Indian team when playing in India. You can see it disappearing in the distance.” He further questioned the readiness of players, adding, “Lots of places up for grabs in this Indian Test team. A few players not ready for this level. Question is: how many of the rest are ready?”
Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad, who played 33 Tests between 1996 and 2001, described India’s performance as displaying “rank poor tactics.” Prasad said on X: “Really disappointed by how India is going about in Test cricket. The all-rounder obsession is absolute brain-fade, especially when you don’t bowl them.Rank poor tactics, poor skills, poor body language and an unprecedented two series whitewash at home. Hope this does not get washed off with Test matches nine months away and this negative approach changes.We all love Indian cricket and it’s sad to see what’s happening over the last year and a half just to somehow prove this flawed strategy right. Can’t function on such egos in the interest of Indian cricket, truly disappointing.”
India’s next Test series is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka next August. Prior to that,India will co-host the T20 world Cup alongside Sri Lanka,begining on February 7.
