'Hope this negative approach changes...': Gautam Gambhir mercilessly blasted after India's Test series whitewash vs South Africa

Team India and head coach Gautam Gambhir are facing the heat after their humiliating 408-run defeat in the second Test. With this South Africa swept the two-match Test series against India 2-0. Among the most vocal critics is former India's star pacer Venkatesh Prasad, who issued a particularly brutal demand for a complete overhaul of the team's 'negative approach' that contributed to India suffering their second home series whitewash in just over twelve months.

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The all-rounder obsession is absolute brain-fade: Venkatesh Prasad takes aim at Gautam Gambhir

Prasad specifically targeted the team selection strategy employed since Gambhir took over as head coach. Under Gambhir, the playing XI has frequently been loaded with all-rounders, a tactic that has now come under severe fire. Prasad labeled this approach a 'brain-fade', particularly when the selected all-rounders are not being fully utilized to justify their place in the side.

“Really disappointed by how India is going about in Test cricket. The all-rounder obsession is absolute brain-fade especially when you don’t bowl them. Rank poor tactics, poor skills, poor body language and an unprecedented two series whitewash at home. Hope this does not get washed off with Test matches nine months away and this negative approach changes," Prasad wrote on X.

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India slump in WTC 2025-2027 points table

South Africa not only won the match but also outclassed India in all departments, be it batting, bowling and fielding. The outcome came out with a big implications for India in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 points table. South Africa's win pushes them closer to the top two qualification spots, intensifying the race at the top of the table. Meanwhile, India's home defeat has put immense pressure on their campaign. The updated ICC table now places Pakistan fourth with a 50% points percentage, while India drop to fifth at 48.15%, despite having collected the highest total points so far. India, having only managed to tie their earlier series against England, now face a herculean task to the 2027 WTC final as they look toward their next fixtures. Historically, this is only the second time in 25 years that South Africa have secured a Test series victory in India. The last instance occurred in 2000. Prior to this, Proteas had managed to win only two out of 13 Tests played on Indian soil since that historic 2000 tour.