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Harsha Bhogle has torn apart the Indian cricket team after a humiliating Test defeat at home against South Africa. The hosts lost the series 0-2, ensuring a new low for Indian cricket.
India faced a harsh reality in Guwahati when South Africa handed them their biggest defeat by runs in Test history. The hosts were chasing a massive target of 549 and collapsed for 140.
That resulted in a 408-run loss, which surpassed the 342-run defeat to Australia in Nagpur in 2004. The result pushed India into an uncomfortable historical zone. This is only the third time India have lost a home series in back-to-back years.
Another troubling sign is 5 home defeats in 7 Tests, which has not happened for more than 60 years. The list of India’s heaviest defeats now starts with this 408-run embarrassment.
Before this, India lost by 342 runs to Australia in 2004 (Nagpur), by 341 runs to Pakistan in 2006 (Karachi), by an innings and 336 runs to West Indies in 1958 (Kolkata) and again by 333 runs to Australia in 2017 (Pune).
These numbers raise serious questions about consistency and depth. Bhogle has raised this issue and said many of the current Indian players are not suitable for Test cricket.
“Lots of places up for grabs in this Indian test team. A few players not ready for this level. Question is: how many of the rest are ready?” the senior commentator wrote on Twitter (now X).
“There was an aura around the Indian team when playing in India. You can see it disappearing in the distance.....” he added.
Gautam Gambhir’s reaction
Gautam Gambhir is facing the heat after India’s awkward loss at home. After all, it is during his tenure that India have lost 5 consecutive Test matches at home.
"It is up to the BCCI to decide my future. But, I am the same guy who got you results in England and was coach for Champions Trophy. The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," Gambhir said after India’s loss.
"We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don't blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won't do it going forward," he said.
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