Mumbai: India’s Test cricket concerns deepened after suffering a 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa, capped by a collapse to 140 on the final day of the second Test in Guwahati. On JioStar’s post-match show Cricket Live, experts Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn examined India’s batting failures, South Africa’s historic triumph, and the structural issues confronting Indian Test cricket.
Anil Kumble expressed disappointment over India’s repeated batting struggles:
“Across the four innings, India managed only 83.5 overs at best — and that too because of a resilient lower-order stand between Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Today was a complete surrender. South Africa bowled beautifully, conditions were demanding, but what was missing was adaptability and fight. Jadeja showed what was needed with his proactive approach, but overall, India couldn’t cope with the surface or the pressure.”
Reflecting on India’s broader Test cricket challenges, Kumble said:
“The defeat to South Africa and the 3-0 loss to New Zealand point to deeper issues. Constant changes to the XI and batting order deny stability. With the next Test only in August 2026, this is the time for serious introspection. Retirements of key seniors have created a vacuum, and rebuilding requires a clear long-term vision. A strong, experienced core must guide the younger players — introducing too many new faces at once simply won’t work.”
Dale Steyn hailed South Africa’s landmark win:
“This is a massive achievement — South Africa haven’t won a Test series in India for 25 years. Touring India tests you in every possible way. Under Temba Bavuma, this side has built a solid unit capable of taking 20 wickets and scoring consistently. They may not have players with huge averages, but their strength is collective contribution. Everyone stepped up — with bat, ball, and in the field.”
Steyn also praised South Africa’s adaptability to Indian conditions:
“Conditions here are always tough. Injuries like Shubman Gill’s changed things for India, but South Africa’s spinners out-bowled India’s, using pace and angle smartly. Their batters played spin with confidence, and their seamers — especially Marco Jansen — adapted brilliantly with reverse swing. India, in contrast, looked less adaptable. The conditions were difficult, but South Africa executed far better.”
With back-to-back series losses and a long break before their next Test, India face a critical period of reassessment as questions grow over consistency, leadership structure, and long-term planning.
