Indian cricket is witnessing an unprecedented decline in Test performances. Against South Africa in Guwahati, India lost five wickets for just 70 runs on the fourth day while chasing a massive target of 549. The once-dominant side now appears vulnerable even on home soil.
Virat Kohli’s brother, Bikas Kohli, has voiced his frustration directly on social media, criticising the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar.
On Instagram, Bikas wrote:
“We used to play abroad to win… now we are playing to save matches… even at home. This happens when unnecessary changes are imposed on players, changes that were never needed.”
He also targeted the BCCI, claiming that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not retired but effectively removed from Test cricket. His posts were later deleted, coinciding with India’s precarious position on the field.
Table: India’s Recent Test Series Performance
| Series | Result | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| vs Bangladesh (Sept 2023) | Win | Gambhir begins tenure as head coach |
| vs New Zealand (Home) | Whitewash | First home series loss under Gambhir |
| vs Australia (Border-Gavaskar Trophy) | Defeat | End of long-standing home unbeaten streak |
From July 2012 to October 2024, India had never lost a home Test series, making their current vulnerability even more shocking. The team, now under Gambhir, faces a testing period in red-ball cricket with home defeats threatening to undermine confidence.
India’s collapse in Guwahati, where they fell five wickets down for just 70 runs chasing 549, has amplified the criticism. Fans and cricket analysts alike are questioning the selection policies and coaching decisions that have led to this decline.
Bikas Kohli’s posts, though deleted, reflect growing frustration within the cricketing fraternity. Experts warn that without strategic and management reforms, India could continue to face humiliating defeats, both at home and abroad.