Stand-in India captain Rishabh Pant struggled to seek out phrases after the hosts suffered one other residence sequence whitewash, collapsing and not using a struggle on Day 5 of the second Take a look at in Guwahati. India crashed to their greatest defeat by runs, shedding by 408, handing South Africa their first Take a look at sequence win within the nation in 25 years.
This was additionally the second residence whitewash in simply 13 months, a consequence that has severely damage India’s World Take a look at Championship hopes and raised contemporary issues concerning the crew’s path in red-ball cricket.
“It is a bit disappointing. As a crew we have to get higher. Credit score to the opposition for taking part in higher than us. They dominated the sequence however on the similar time you possibly can’t take cricket without any consideration,” Pant mentioned on the post-match presentation. “We’re taking part in at residence and generally we have been up within the sport however we did not capitalise. Whether or not you are taking part in at residence or away, cricket calls for dedication and further effort. As a batting unit you have to capitalize on sure moments. As a crew we did not do this.”
Below head coach Gautam Gambhir, India have now misplaced 5 Checks at residence to New Zealand and South Africa. That is the primary time in 66 years that India has misplaced 5 Checks within the house of seven months.
2nd Take a look at, Day 5 Highlights , rating card
Whereas a chase of 549 was at all times out of attain, the shortage of resistance was hanging on a Day 5 floor that provided sharp flip and steep bounce, often situations the place India excel. Marco Jansen, who had already contributed with bat and ball, sealed the win with a superb one-handed catch that ended India’s innings at 140 in 63.5 overs.
The consequence has intensified scrutiny on Gambhir’s ways and choice decisions, with many pointing to complicated roles and questionable personnel choices. The aura that after made India nearly unbeatable at residence now seems to have light on the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer loved a profession revival, utilizing the identical floor to hassle Indian batters with flip and bounce, whereas the house assault appeared ineffective. Pant’s dismissal for 13 whereas attempting to cope with the additional bounce signaled the start of the collapse.
The brand new-look batting group of Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Reddy lacked the preparation and expertise wanted to deal with high-quality spin in Take a look at cricket. Sudharsan’s 14 off 139 balls, stuffed with repeated shut calls, highlighted the problem.
Critics have linked this to Gambhir’s alternatives and his choice for multipurpose gamers in a format that calls for specialists. With roles unclear and preparation missing, India now face severe questions on their identification in Take a look at cricket and their capability to reply after a historic setback at residence.
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