Shastri rips Gambhir apart after India crumble against South Africa in Guwahati: 'This doesn’t make sense'

Ravi Shastri slammed Gautam Gambhir over his muddled policies as India head coach with the hosts facing the prospect of a massive defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. After losing a low-scoring thriller at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens by just 30 runs, India were reduced to 122/7 in response to South Africa’s massive first innings total of 489, suffering a batting collapse for the third time in as many outings in the two-match series.

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Shastri, who had served as head coach during Virat Kohli’s successful reign as captain, was commentating along with ex-batter Abhinav Mukund when the two began discussing India’s muddled selection policy in the ongoing two-match Test series against the Proteas.

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“At what point will India understand that they need specialists for No 3 and 4. Washington batted at No 3 in Kolkata, and is coming in at No 8,” Mukund said on air in response to all-rounder Washington Sundar walking in at No 8 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium after batting at No 3 in Kolkata.

Shastri slams musical chairs over No 3 spot

That led to a fierce reply from Shastri, who has been critical of Gambhir’s decisions as coach earlier as well.

“This doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand the thought process. Still trying to fathom out the thought process. You play four spinners in Kolkata and bowl one of the spinners for just one over when you could have gone with another specialist batter. Washington batted at No 3 in the last Test, he could have easily batted at No 4 here. He’s going at No 8,” Shastri said in reply.

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Under Gambhir, India had lost a home Test series after nearly 12 years last year with a stunning 0-3 sweep against New Zealand last year. A little over a year later, they face the ignominy of another home whitewash, this time at the hands of South Africa – a team whose only Test series triumph on Indian soil had come under Hansie Cronje’s leadership in 2000.