Guwahati, Nov 26 (NationPress) Former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad expressed his disappointment following India's staggering 408-run defeat in the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. He criticized the team's performance as a “disappointing display of tactics and skills”, voicing serious concern over India's largest-ever loss on home soil.

It marks the first time in over forty years that India has lost two Test series at home in consecutive years, the previous instances occurring against the West Indies (1983) and England (1984/85).

“I am really disappointed by India's approach to Test cricket. The obsession with all-rounders is a sign of absolute brain-fade, especially when they are not utilized effectively. We witnessed poor tactics, skills, and body language, culminating in an unprecedented 2-0 series whitewash at home. I hope this doesn’t go unnoticed with Test matches only nine months away, and that this negative mindset changes,” Prasad stated on X.

He emphasized that while performances in the IPL can affect selections for limited-overs formats, consistent performance in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy is essential for Test cricket. He criticized the reliance on players with First-Class averages below 40 or picking all-rounders solely for their batting depth, arguing it undermines the core principles of Test cricket.

“We need to select specialists, basing choices on performances in the Ranji and Duleep Trophies for Test matches. While IPL performances can influence selections for 50 over formats, for Test cricket, domestic performances must be the benchmark. Players like Yash Rathod, Shubham Sharma, Baba Indrajith, and Smaran Ravichandran may not feature in the IPL but consistently score runs in domestic competitions,” he added.

“We cannot include players with sub-40 First-Class averages in the Test team based on IPL exploits. Playing an all-rounder merely for his batting capabilities in Indian conditions is not the right strategy for Test cricket. It needs specialists. As devoted supporters of Indian cricket, it is disheartening to see the current state of affairs over the past year and a half, merely to validate this misguided strategy. Such egos cannot dictate the interests of Indian cricket; it is truly disappointing,” he concluded.

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan remarked, “There was a disappointing lack of patience and technique from the Indian batters. We need players in the Test team who can handle spin better.”

After skipper Temba Bavuma scored a resolute 55 not out and Simon Harmer took eight wickets, South Africa, the reigning world Test champions, secured their first Test win in India since 2010, achieving a historic series victory.

“Congratulations to South Africa for exhibiting exceptional cricket against India in India. They outperformed our team in every aspect,” Pathan added in another post.

This victory marks South Africa's second-largest win by runs, following their 492-run victory against Australia in Johannesburg in 2018, and establishes a new record for the largest winning margin over India in Test history. This is also the Proteas' second Test series win in India, their first being a 2-0 sweep in February-March 2000 under Hansie Cronje.

Former off-spin great Ravichandran Ashwin commended the Proteas for their significant series win, stating, “This is a huge achievement for the Proteas; they have demonstrated their authority and justified their status as the deserving holders of the WTC title.”

With the win in Guwahati, Bavuma remains unbeaten in 12 Tests, boasting 11 victories and one draw as skipper.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith expressed, “An incredible performance and series win in India by the Proteas; massive congratulations to @TembaBavuma, Shukri, and the team.”

Former batting star AB de Villiers added, “Outstanding performance by every team member. Well done @ProteasMenCSA. This is a historic moment!”