Shastri Pulls No Punches in Criticism of India's Batting Chaos
Former India captain and head coach Ravi Shastri delivered a scathing assessment of India's first-innings batting approach during the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. The cricket legend expressed bewilderment at the team's constant shuffling of players and questionable selection decisions that contributed to another batting failure.
Musical Chairs at Number Three Continues
The Indian team's experimentation with the crucial number three batting position took another strange turn in the ongoing series. After raising eyebrows by promoting Washington Sundar to that position in the opening Test, the team management made another surprising move for the second match.
Sai Sudharsan returned to the playing eleven and reclaimed the number three spot, pushing Sundar all the way down to number eight in the batting order. This dramatic reshuffle failed to produce the desired results as India's batting lineup faltered once again.
Batting Collapse Leaves India Reeling
India's response to South Africa's commanding first-innings total of 489 was nothing short of disappointing. The home team collapsed to 201 all out, handing the visitors a massive 288-run lead at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
The top-order failure left India struggling at 122 for 7 before Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav staged a minor recovery. The duo added 72 valuable runs for the eighth wicket, helping India cross the 200-run mark.
Sundar displayed remarkable grit during his 48 off 92 deliveries, while Kuldeep showed tremendous patience during his 19 off 134 balls. Their resistance, however, couldn't prevent India from conceding a substantial first-innings deficit.
Shastri Questions Team's Planning and Clarity
Speaking during his commentary stint for the Star network, Ravi Shastri didn't mince words when analyzing India's performance. "Absolutely not. It makes no sense. I can't figure out the reasoning," Shastri stated emphatically.
The former all-rounder predicted that when the team management reviews this series, some of these selections will leave them puzzled. He specifically referenced the previous Test in Kolkata where India picked four spinners, one of whom bowled only a single over.
Shastri questioned the logic behind Sundar's dramatic demotion in the batting order. "After making Washington bat at three in the last Test, you could've slotted him at four today since you already had your number three. He's not a number eight. He's much better than that," he remarked.
South Africa Dominate with Ball
For South Africa, Marco Jansen produced an outstanding bowling performance, returning brilliant figures of 6 for 48. His pace and accuracy proved too much for the Indian batters to handle.
Simon Harmer provided excellent support with a three-wicket haul for 64 runs. The South African bowling attack maintained consistent pressure throughout the Indian innings, never allowing the hosts to build substantial partnerships.
The massive first-innings deficit has put India in a precarious position as they seek to level the series against a confident South African side. The batting approach and selection decisions will undoubtedly face more scrutiny if India fails to stage a remarkable comeback in this match.
