India faced mounting criticism after another collapse left them staring at a home series whitewash.
India’s struggles on home soil have intensified after another poor performance against South Africa. The team is on the verge of a series whitewash. After a heavy defeat on a turner in Kolkata, India failed to capitalise on a better batting pitch in Guwahati.
The team has now lost four of its last eight home Tests under head coach Gautam Gambhir. This poor run includes a 0-3 defeat to New Zealand, which ended India’s streak of appearing in the ICC World Test Championship finals.
Ganesh brands India the most “confused team” ever
The constant changes in the team’s strategy are being heavily criticised. Former India selector Dodda Ganesh has branded the current Test squad as the most “confused team” ever. His criticism focused on the puzzling treatment of all-rounder Washington Sundar.
“Washington Sundar, after playing two quality innings in the last test at no. 3, inexplicably gets demoted to no. 8, in the very next test. Never seen a more confused Indian test team ever,” Ganesh posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Is inconsistent selection hurting the team?
Sundar batted at number 3 in both innings of the first Test. For the second Test, he was pushed down to number 8. This sudden demotion came despite his contributions in the previous match.
In response to South Africa’s first innings total of 489, India were bowled out for just 201. This gave the tourists a massive 288-run lead. Taking a further dig at the team, Ganesh said the only solace is the potential scoreline.
“Chalo 2-0 to SA is not as bad as losing 3-0 to NZ. That’s the only solace,” he posted.
In another post, he declared that South Africa will definitely not lose the Guwahati Test.
“There’s only one team that can win this test from here, and that’s definitely not India,” he wrote.
India’s batting collapse raises big questions
India started Day 3 cautiously at 9/0. However, the innings fell apart quickly after the first wicket fell. It can be said that poor shot selection and a lack of clarity led to the collapse.
A 72-run partnership between Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav prevented a complete embarrassment. However, India’s total was nowhere near South Africa’s score. The team’s hopes of a third WTC final have now taken a severe hit.
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