New Delhi, Nov 26 (NationPress) Parth Jindal expressed his discontent after Team India faced a crushing defeat in the two-match home Test series against South Africa on Wednesday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. He described the loss as a total humiliation and noted that he couldn't recall a time when the Test squad appeared so vulnerable at home.

South Africa accomplished a remarkable series sweep over India, marking their first victory in India in 25 years. The hosts fell victim to yet another disappointing batting performance on a deteriorating fifth-day pitch in Guwahati, losing by 408 runs, which registered as their most significant defeat at home by runs. This loss has compounded a troubling trend, with India now recording five defeats in their last seven home Tests after a previously unbroken 12-year streak across 18 series.

“This isn't even close; what a total humiliation on our home ground! I cannot recall our Test side being so weak at home! This is the outcome when red-ball specialists are overlooked. This team does not reflect the immense talent we have in the red-ball format. It's time for India to consider hiring a dedicated red-ball coach for Test cricket,” expressed Jindal, founder and director of JSW Sports, which owns the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL, in a post on X.

In response to the series loss, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the choices made by the team management, asserting that all decisions were taken with the best interests of the team at heart and that hindsight should not play a role in sports. He accepted collective responsibility for the defeat, emphasizing that accountability lies within the team.

When asked about his fitness for the Test coach role, Gambhir remarked that the decision ultimately lies with the BCCI, reiterating that Indian cricket supersedes any individual. He reminded detractors of his successful history, including notable achievements with a young squad in England and previous victories in tournaments like the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.

Gambhir also pointed out that the defeat to South Africa should not be equated with India’s 3-0 loss to New Zealand the previous year, as that team had seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, all of whom have since exited the red-ball format. He noted that the current lineup is considerably younger and requires more experience against formidable competition to progress.