This defeat has increased the pressure on India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Since the former batsman took charge in July 2024, India have won seven Tests but lost 10.
Defeats to New Zealand and South Africa were coupled with 3-1 defeats in Australia last December and January, while Gambhir’s side played out 2-2 draws in England in the summer.
Their two series wins during their tenure were against Bangladesh and West Indies on home soil – teams who are ranked ninth and eighth respectively in the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings.
Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle posted on X, external “There was an aura around the Indian team while playing in India. You can see it disappearing from a distance,” he said.
“There are a lot of tight spots in this Indian Test team. Some players are not ready for this level. The question is, how many of the remaining players are ready?”
Former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad, who played 33 Tests between 1996 and 2001, said India displayed “poor tactics”.
“Really disappointed with the way India are progressing in Test cricket. The passion for all-rounders has completely faded from the mind, especially when you don’t bowl to them,” Prasad said on X., external,
“Poor tactics, poor skills, poor body language and an unprecedented whitewash in two series on home soil. Hopefully this won’t end with Test matches nine months away and this negative attitude will change.
“We all love Indian cricket and it is sad to see what has happened in the last one and a half years to vindicate this flawed strategy. It is really disappointing that such arrogance cannot be acted upon in the interest of Indian cricket.”
India’s next Test series is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka next August. They will host the T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka from February 7.
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