India vs South Africa Test: Selections Questioned
India vs South Africa Test: India’s stunning defeat to South Africa in the opening Test at Kolkata prompted a storm of questions and drew scrutiny from analysts, coaches, and former players — with ex-pacer Venkatesh Prasad outright blaming the selectors and team management. The shocking defeat — with India bowled out for a mere 93 chasing 124 — was at the center of every sports news headlines today as fans and analysts dissected the team’s game plan and decisions.
No Trust Left in India
India did control the first two days at Eden Gardens, but completely collapsed on Day 3. The 124 target seemed realistic until South African spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj dismantled the India batting order.
One of the primary angles was the absence of captain Shubman Gill in the second innings. Gill was injured in the neck during the first innings and only faced 3 deliveries before being taken to hospital. His absence during the chase meant India was missing an anchor at the top, amplifying the already raised questions about the readiness of the team.
Venkatesh Prasad on Selectors and Management
Ex-India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his feelings. His criticisms both were unambiguous and direct. He laid the blame on chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir.
Prasad pointed out that India’s Test results have been without direction, citing “unambiguous selections and excessive tactical pragmatism” as two of the greatest contributors to negative outcomes. While he acknowledged that India’s white ball performances have been strong, he noted the fluctuating results in Test matches throughout Gambhir’s tenure, with the only highlight being an drawn Test series in England.
He has further fueled the debate around team selection, injuries, and longer term approaches – issues that are now at the core of India’s problems in Test cricket.
South Africa’s spin duo astound the audience
Simon Harmer’s match-changing overs
Victory for South Africa was very much founded on a top performance match from off spinner Simon Harmer, taking eight wickets overall. After establishing a strangle hold in the first innings, 4-30, Harmer took the lead again in the second innings, taking, taking two important wickets and troubling other well-set players, Rishabh Pant included, who could only muster a paltry two runs.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj then brought about the coup de grace, taking two wickets in two balls to send India on their way. Keshav was both incisive and accurate to wrap up the Indian tail end, provoking wild celebrations from the South African players.
Captain Temba Bavuma provided an invaluable and dogged knock as his side found themselves the precarious position of 91-7 early on day two. His 55 not out then helped South Africa to a total of 153, providing a more than adequate target for the bowlers to defend. Bavuma’s hunger for runs in a game where they were in short supply was ever so critical, and every run counted.
What Now for Team India?
Following South Africa’s 1-0 lead in a two-match Test series, there are immense tactical and psychological issues for India to overcome. The loss has surfaced grave concerns regarding injury management, selection consistency, and Test cricket overall.
With conversations going through the roof, and analysts working through the shame of the loss, all eyes will unveil on the next Test — India need to come up with a strong response to silence critics, and gain some momentum.
