Guwahati:
India finds itself under immense pressure in the second Test against South Africa after being bowled out for 201 runs, falling 288 runs short of the visitors’ first-innings total of 489. The team couldn’t even avoid the follow-on, though South Africa chose to bat again instead of enforcing it.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri sharply criticised the team’s planning, selection strategy and batting order decisions — directly questioning Gautam Gambhir and the current management.
Ravi Shastri Criticises Team Strategy
Reacting to India’s dismal batting show, Shastri said the decisions made by the team management were “illogical” and lacked clarity.
He commented:
“No, it makes absolutely no sense. I fail to understand the reasoning. When they review this series, some of these selections will completely confuse them. In Kolkata, they picked four spinners and one of them bowled just an over, while they could have easily played a specialist batter. Here, after promoting Washington Sundar to No. 3 in the last Test, they could have sent him at No. 4 today because they already had a proper No. 3. He’s not an No. 8 — he’s a far better player than that.”
Shastri’s remarks highlight growing scrutiny around India’s tactical calls under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
India Barely Crossed 200
India was struggling at 122/7 before Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav stitched together a crucial 72-run stand for the eighth wicket.
- Sundar scored a gritty 48 off 92 balls
- Kuldeep contributed 19 off 134 balls
This partnership pushed India past the 200 mark, but still left them far behind South Africa’s massive total.
South Africa’s bowlers dominated:
- Marco Jansen: 6 wickets for 48
- Simon Harmer: 3 wickets for 64