Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Ex-Cricketers Criticize India's Loss, Reject 'Transition' Excuse
Two former Indian cricket players, Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammad Kaif, are unhappy with the current state of the Indian Test team.
Pujara thinks the team is too talented to be losing at home and believes there's a problem within the team.
Kaif thinks the coach is making players scared to play freely.
The team recently lost a game to South Africa at home, and one of their best players, Shubman Gill, got hurt.
The next game is very important, but it's not clear if Gill will be able to play.
Former Indian cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammad Kaif have criticized India's recent Test losses.
Pujara rejects the notion of a 'transition phase' for the Indian Test team, suspecting something is wrong.
Kaif alleges that head coach Gautam Gambhir's approach creates insecurity among players, leading to poor performance.
India lost the first Test against South Africa due to challenging pitch conditions and batting struggles.
Shubman Gill's injury status remains uncertain for the second Test, with his presence crucial for India's victory.
- Who
- Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammad Kaif (Former Indian Cricketers), Gautam Gambhir (India Head Coach), Shubman Gill (Indian Test Cricketer)
- What
- Former Indian cricketers criticize the team's recent losses, rejecting the 'transition' excuse and alleging coaching issues.
- When
- Following India's loss to South Africa in the first Test in Kolkata and ahead of the second Test.
- Where
- Kolkata, India (Eden Gardens) and the upcoming second Test venue
- Why
- To address the team's poor performance, especially at home, and prepare for the next Test match.
Pujara's Stance
Kaif's Criticism
Team Performance
Pujara's Stance
Pujara suspects something is wrong in the team, rejecting the 'transition' excuse.
Kaif's Criticism
Kaif alleges that players are playing with fear due to lack of backing and confusing selection policies.
- Recent Test Results
- India lost to South Africa in the first Test, 0-1 in the series
- Former Cricketers' Concerns
- Pujara: Something is wrong in the team; Kaif: Players playing with fear due to lack of backing
- Shubman Gill's Injury Status
- Unconfirmed; crucial for India's victory in the second Test
- Pitch Conditions (Kolkata)
- Uneven bounce and carry, challenging for batters
Sources
Gautam Gambhir provides huge update on Shubman Gill's injury ahead of 2nd Test: 'We'll take a call tomorrow'
Eden Gardens Test collapses in three days as fans question pitches and Test future
India's WTC hopes hit after Eden Gardens defeat
Temba Bavuma remains unbeaten as Test captain as South Africa stun India in Kolkata
Anil Kumble slams Rishabh Pant's on-field decisions after historic loss to South Africa: 'It was questionable'
WTC Points Table 2025-27: India Drop To 4th Place Following Humiliating Defeat In Kolkata Test, South Africa Rise To Top 2
Gautam Gambhir's Team India Achieves Embarrassing Low, Becomes First Team In 93 Years To...
Gill out of hospital, yet India awaits real update
IND vs SA: Shubman Gill Discharged From Kolkata Hospital, India Captain's Availability In Guwahati Test Remains Uncertain - Report
Shubman Gill injury update: India captain discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for neck pain
5 Mistakes Which Cost India Kolkata Test
South Africa Beat India by 30 Runs in Kolkata Test
Shubman Gill discharged from Kolkata hospital, may not play in second Test against South Africa
Gautam Gambhir rejects pitch excuses as India confront home Test batting concerns - Telegraph India
Shubman Gill discharged from hospital, availability for 2nd Test remains doubtful: Report
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Gill out of hospital but 'still being assessed' for second Test, says head coach Gambhir
Shubman Gill discharges from hospital unlikely to play for Guwahati Test
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'Bring Back Mohammed Shami': Sourav Ganguly Tells Gautam Gambhir After South Africa Drubbing
Ganguly urges Gambhir to recall Shami to Test squad
Sarfaraz Khan Can be a Good Addition For Ind-SA 2nd Test at Guwahati if Injured Shubman Gill Isn't Available. Here's Why
Shubman Gill Anticipated To Join Team In Guwahati For 2nd IND vs SA Test, Skipper's Playing Status Awaits Confirmation: Report
Denial And Over-Experimentation, Indian Team Management Turns Blind Eye To India's Biggest Concern In Tests Since 2024
Are Gill and Gambhir split on India's pitch plan?
Rohit Sharma to Become ODI Captain, Again? Mohammed Kaif Names Shubman Gill's Replacement in Case he is Unavailable
Harbhajan Singh, Dale Steyn, others tear into Eden pitch, Gautam Gambhir blames Team India
IND vs SA: Shubman Gill set to travel with Indian squad for Guwahati Test, participation unconfirmed
Shubman Gill's Travel Plans Revealed Post Discharge As India Sweats Over Guwahati Test Availability: Report
Cheteshwar Pujara Rejects 'Transition' Notion, Claims 'Something Is Wrong' Following India's Loss In Kolkata Test
