Cracks in the fortress: India’s Eden unraveling prompts soul-searching
India’s stunning 30-run defeat to South Africa at Eden Gardens has ignited a storm of criticism across the cricketing landscape, with former players, pundits, and fans raising urgent questions about the team’s direction. Once a fortress of Indian dominance, Eden became the site of an alarming collapse as the home side failed to chase a modest 124-run target on a spin-heavy pitch.
Cheteshwar Pujara, rarely one to show frustration publicly, captured the sentiment. “I don’t agree with this. Transition ki wajah se Bharatiya team Bharat mein haare, woh digest nahi ho sakta,” he said during a discussion on Star Sports.
Backing him strongly, domestic stalwart Priyank Panchal added historical context to India’s former dominance. “I agree with Pujji bhai. Even during transition, India whitewashed Australia 4-0 in early-2013, ousted SA in 2015, and steamrolled over New Zealand in India in 2016. The recent losses represent a deep-rooted inability to construct a Test knock in the team. #INDvSA,” he noted on X.
I agree with Pujji bhai. Even during transition, India whitewashed Australia 4-0 in early-2013, ousted SA in 2015, and steamrolled over New Zealand in India in 2016. The recent losses represent a deep rooted inability to construct a Test knock in the team. #INDvSA https://t.co/uaB2N14HxC
— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) November 17, 2025
Pujara had further argued that the current pool of talent should have been enough to secure a home win. “India lost in England and Australia due to the transitional phase, which is still acceptable. But the talent and potential that India has, look at the first-class records of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar and Shubman Gill. Despite those first-class records, if we lose in India, it means that something is wrong.”
He also took aim at the team’s pitch strategy, suggesting it undercut their own strengths. “India had a better chance to win this Test if the match had been played on a good wicket. How do you define Tests? On which wickets will your percentage to win be higher? That percentage drops on such wickets and the opposition becomes equal to you.”
Pitch wars: Gambhir’s defence triggers backlash from legends
Head coach Gautam Gambhir stood firm amid mounting criticism of the Eden Gardens surface, describing it as a deliberate choice. “It was not an unplayable wicket, there were no demons. This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. The curator was very, very helpful and supportive. This is exactly what we wanted, and this is exactly what we got. When you don’t play well, this is what happens. Yes, it might not be a wicket which is going to be very flamboyant where you can play those big shots. But if you are willing to put your head down, definitely it is a wicket where you can score,” Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.
However, his assertion sparked strong rebuttals from two of the game’s most respected voices. Anil Kumble, appearing on JioHotstar, said, “If you look back at the legacy of Eden Gardens, there have been so many Test matches that have been played. I’ve been coming here since I was an Under-19 kid and I’ve never had a pitch that behaved like this over the three days in a Test match. I did listen to what Gautam said, he did mention about the fact that the team wanted something like this. Then I’m a bit confused because I know this is a young side.”
Dale Steyn, also on the JioHotstar panel, echoed the confusion: “He said there weren’t demons in the pitch? I certainly saw quite a lot.” He elaborated on the erratic nature of the wicket, adding, “You know, as Anil was saying, some balls are spinning two feet past the bat, hitting the keeper on the shoulder. The next one is skidding through, hitting the pad, and you’re out. That’s pretty tough to bat on. When batters don’t have the option to score runs, the application of defense becomes the biggest key. That itself means batting is really difficult.”
Even Ravichandran Ashwin, while avoiding direct criticism, challenged the idea of Eden as a suitable turner. “If someone calls this Eden Gardens pitch a turner, I will not agree with them one bit. It was proper wicket preparation that went awry. The point I agree with is that it was quite dangerous. But my view is, give a turner. But there are only a few surfaces to give a turner. You cannot give a turner in Eden Gardens. If you try to give a turner there, the wicket will turn like this,” he said on his YouTube channel.
Unravelling at home: India’s deeper Test match rot
India’s latest home defeat to South Africa has pushed the conversation beyond transitional woes, exposing structural flaws in team planning, selection clarity, and even skill application. While the post-match discourse initially circled around pitch conditions, a larger consensus has emerged — this is not just a phase, but a deeper cricketing malaise.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan didn’t hold back, highlighting a regression in batting fundamentals. “Skills to play spin on turning tracks around the world have definitely gone down, but this kind of batting from India shows how much our own ability has dropped too. Soft hands, wrist work, all of it has declined drastically,” said Pathan on X.
Skills to play spin on turning tracks around the world have definitely gone down, but this kind of batting from India shows how much our own ability has dropped too. Soft hands, wrist work,all of it has declined drastically.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 16, 2025
Wasim Jaffer pointed to the lack of course correction despite repeated red-ball failures in similar conditions. “Looks like we haven’t learned our lesson from NZ (New Zealand) series loss. The gap between our spinners and opposition spinners reduces on pitches like this. We need to go back to classic Indian pitches, like the ones in the 2016-17 season when Virat was captain and Eng and NZ toured,” he said on X.
Looks like we haven’t learned our lesson from NZ series loss. The gap between our spinners and opposition spinners reduces on pitches like this. We need to go back to classic Indian pitches, like the ones in 2016-17 season when Virat was captain and Eng and NZ toured. #INDvSA
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 16, 2025
India’s team combination has also drawn scrutiny. Mohammad Kaif praised South Africa’s simpler, more effective approach: “South Africa showed if you bowl well, two spinners are enough to win a Test match in India,” he remarked on X.
South Africa showed if you bowl well two spinners are enough to win a test match in india.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 16, 2025
Venkatesh Prasad underlined a deeper strategic confusion within the Indian setup. “While we have been excellent in white-ball cricket, we can’t call ourselves a top Test side with such planning. Selections without clarity and over-tactical thinking are backfiring. Poor results over a year in Tests barring a drawn series in England,” he said on X.
While we have been excellent in white- ball cricket.
We can’t call ourselves a top Test side with such planning.
Selections without clarity and over-tactical thinking are backfiring. Poor results over a year in tests barring a drawn series in England. . #IndvsSA— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) November 16, 2025
Echoing similar concerns, Priyank Panchal criticised the persistent imbalance in selection. “First New Zealand, now this. Preference to all-rounders over specialists. Lack of robust gameplan for home Test matches. Absence of understanding of pacing an innings in the longest format. Performance in flat tracks of England aside, disappointing returns otherwise,” he wrote on X.
First New Zealand, now this. Preference to all-rounders over specialists. Lack of robust gameplan for home Test matches. Absence of understanding of pacing an innings in the longest format. Performance in flat tracks of England aside, disappointing returns otherwise. #INDvSA
— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) November 16, 2025
The sentiment was shared by former India batter Badrinath, who lamented the stark contrast between India’s past strengths and present vulnerabilities. “Disappointing to see India’s batting against spin decline while visiting spinners keep improving with every tour, the complete opposite of how it used to be,” he said on X.
Disappointing to see India’s batting against spin decline while visiting spinners keep improving with every tour, the complete opposite of how it used to be.#SAvIND #CricItWithBadri #TeamIndia
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) November 16, 2025
Insecurity and confusion plague team selection
Beyond tactical errors and pitch debates, a recurring theme among critics was the uncertainty looming over team selections — and its psychological impact on players. Mohammed Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, questioned the current environment under head coach Gautam Gambhir. “Whichever players are playing, they don’t have a feeling that someone is standing for them. Koi backing nahi hai, sab darr ke khel rahe hain. (There is no backing; everyone is playing with fear.) Sab dar ke khel rahe hain, koi khul ke nahi khel raha (Everyone is playing in fear, nobody is playing with freedom).”
Kaif pointed to specific cases of Sarfaraz Khan and Sai Sudharsan as examples of erratic selection decisions that have undermined team morale. “If Sarfaraz Khan’s place is not confirmed after scoring a hundred. Even after scoring 100, he’s not able to make a comeback. Sai Sudharsan scored 87. He doesn’t play the next Test match. I think there is a lot of confusion in this team.”
The effect of these choices, Kaif argued, runs deep. “Players ko apne pe belief kam ho gaya hai, thoda insecurity bhi aa gyi hai (Players are not believing in themselves, there is insecurity as well). When there is insecurity and you come to play at turning tracks, you won’t be able to do well.”
According to Kaif, the only player who showed some adaptability was Washington Sundar. “Why did Sundar play well? He comes from Chennai. He has grown by playing on turning tracks. He knows how to use his feet and which balls to play with soft hands. How to keep the bottom hand.”
He also questioned the decision to bench in-form Sudharsan, suggesting it may have cost India the game. “Sai Sudharsan also comes from Chennai. If he were there at No. 3 and Sundar at No. 8, you would have won this Test match. He plays spin very well. Sudharsan comes from Chennai. He’s in form and scored 87. He’s not there in the playing XI.”
Questions mount over India’s strategy under Gambhir
Criticism continued to mount over the strategic direction of the Indian Test team under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, argued that India’s tactical choices are neutralizing their strengths while exposing their weaknesses. “When Virat Kohli took over as captain back then, they batted long and put scoreboard pressure. They are leaving too much to chance. It brings ordinary spinners into the game. You just have people who can throw the ball and the wicket will do the rest. I heard that Gambhir came out and said we are happy with the surface we are playing on. This cost them against New Zealand as well.”
Doubling down on his criticism, Haddin added, “They’ve done it twice now under Gambhir. They play their best cricket when, it’s not about turning wickets but building scoreboard pressure with their runs. They have taken their world-class batters out of the game. I just think they are leaving too much to chance. India play their best cricket when they put a big total on the board and then they make the opposition claustrophobic with their fields. Their spinners are better than anyone on that surface but their batters are actually not that good players of spin on a surface like that.”
South African legend Shaun Pollock echoed similar concerns, questioning the mindset of the Indian batters on Cricbuzz Chatter. “I think on that surface the mindset had to be where can we score from time to time, how can we look to be positive. I thought the intensity went through the roof when Jadeja got to the crease. Pant probably wasn’t there for long enough. Where are those old Indian batters who on certain conditions, even though it’s difficult, found ways of dominating? You think of VVS Laxman, when he played that innings here against Australia. What’s happening with these chases now?”
Kevin Pietersen blames modern-day cricket culture
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen offered a broader take on India’s batting collapse, linking it to the evolution of cricket itself. In a detailed post on X, he pointed to the shift in batting philosophy and the increasing influence of money in the game.
“Just hear me out here: 🏏
Seeing the wicket first and then the scores and then the result in Kolkata, it can only be put down to batters modern day techniques.
Batters grow up now to hit sixes and play switch-hits. They don’t grow up to build an innings and learn the art of survival.
This is fact, as I know what’s being taught and I’m a part of many player discussions.
The player is not to blame at all as it is exactly where the modern day game is. The priority right now in the game isn’t about survival or the art of playing a spinning ball. The game of cricket is now about bright lights, loud music and a financial return for cricket boards, private equity and private ownership.
The elephant in the room is it won’t be mentioned cos you just can’t talk about money. But, I will, as it is real.
I wish more power to the players to make as much $$$$ as they can, whilst they can.
You’re just doing what decision makers are doing but you’re just not allowed to talk about it!
Keep hitting sixes and switch-hits and growing your bank accounts, dudes!”
Just hear me out here: 🏏
Seeing the wicket first and then the scores and then the result in Kolkata, it can only be put down to batters modern day techniques.
Batters grow up now to hit sixes and play switch-hits. They don’t grow up to build an innings and learn the art of…
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 16, 2025
Pietersen’s comments struck a chord with many, reflecting the tension between tradition and modernity in the longest format of the game.
Rabada praises team effort as South Africa script rare win
Even from the sidelines, South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada was full of emotion after witnessing his team pull off a famous Test win in Kolkata. Reflecting on the match in a video posted on the Proteas Men account on X, Rabada ranked the result among their finest.
“Definitely right up there. With the types of wins that we’ve had this season, it’s hard to say because we’ve had some pretty epic wins. But this one is definitely in top three.”
Though ruled out due to a rib injury, Rabada admitted the intensity of the contest made it tough to stay calm.
“That was typical Test cricket. I mean, like, just the ebbs and flows of the game. We found ourselves on the back foot and then somehow managed to finish on the front foot. So, I mean, it’s quite nerve-wracking on the side and just itching to want to get out. But, I mean, I don’t know what to say. It’s just like an emotional roller coaster and I’m glad that we finished on the right side.”
He lauded the collective performance of the team, crediting every player for stepping up.
“We had a good start in the first innings with Aiden and Rickelton. They set the tone. Marco stood up, Boshie stood up at crucial times. Everyone chipped in and really, that’s the hallmark of what this team is made of. No matter who sits out, we can still find a way to win. Temba has been crucial for us, but he hasn’t played every game. I didn’t play this game. That doesn’t matter. Whoever is going to get out on the field, we believe that they can do the job.”
Pitch-side reactions from Eden Gardens! 🎙️
Kagiso Rabada reflects on a monumental victory in the opening Test match of the series. 🇿🇦🔥 pic.twitter.com/chRTcylowf
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) November 17, 2025
Shukri Conrad eyes series win after historic Kolkata result
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad celebrated his team’s triumph in Kolkata but emphasized that the mission was far from complete. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Conrad acknowledged the significance of the result while outlining his ambitions for the series.
“This was right up there for us. Coming to India, playing at Eden Gardens, doing something we haven’t done for 15 years, this is right up there.”
Having secured South Africa’s first Test win in India since 2010, he underlined that the target extended beyond a single victory.
“We won a Test match in Pakistan, we’ve now won a Test match here but the job’s far from done. You don’t come to a country to win a Test match, you obviously want to win the series.”
The third day began with South Africa seven wickets down and just 63 runs ahead. But with Temba Bavuma anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 55 and the bowlers stepping up, the team delivered a spirited performance. Conrad highlighted the quality of India’s bowling, especially on such a challenging pitch.
“There was prodigious turn, and the Indian quartet of spinners just don’t give you anything. You throw Jasprit [Bumrah] in there with a new ball and when it starts reverse-swinging, both him and [Mohammed] Siraj are obviously world-class.”
Yet, it was overcoming that very quality that made the win more gratifying.
“It makes our victory even sweeter that we were able to contend with all of that and come out on top. It gives you a belief that you can mix it with the best and do special things.”
Conrad praised his side’s mental strength and unity, which he believes will carry them forward.
“I’m so proud of the group in terms of the belief that they’ve got and how they pull together as a unit. It will do wonders for our psyche and it will do wonders for us going forward.”
He concluded by underlining the ethos that defines this South African team.
“Whilst we might not have the ability that a lot of teams have, or we haven’t tapped that ability yet, what we lack in that, we certainly make up for in our ability to play as a unit and the resilience we show.”
“We never give up.”
Despite the loss, India has a short turnaround before the second Test in Guwahati. With selection under scrutiny, the batting approach questioned, and confidence shaken, how India responds in the coming days may determine whether this is a passing phase — or the beginning of a deeper decline.
