Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed serious concerns about the state of Indian Test cricket after the team suffered back-to-back home whitewashes. South Africa defeated India 2-0 in a two-match series earlier this week, marking the second home whitewash in 12 months following New Zealand's 3-0 victory last year. Before these defeats, India had not lost a home Test series for 12 years. Karthik warned that teams which once feared touring India are now eager to challenge the struggling side. He criticised the use of too many all-rounders, pointing out that Nitish Reddy bowled only 14 overs across the entire domestic season. Additionally, India had just two century-makers in this series compared to South Africa's seven. With the next Test match scheduled after seven months, Karthik questioned whether India would address these issues or forget the setbacks amid upcoming white-ball fixtures.
Karthik Calls for Tough Decisions and Consistency
Karthik emphasised that the BCCI needs to take tough decisions to resurrect the team from its slump. He highlighted India's poor record at the number three position during the World Test Championship cycle, where the position holds the second-worst record in the first innings, averaging just 26. The former cricketer questioned the frequent changes, noting that Washington Sundar batted at number three in Kolkata while Sai Sudharsan took the spot in Guwahati. He asked whether constant chopping and changing helps India or whether the team needs more stability and consistency. Karthik also pointed out that both pacers and spinners are being out-bowled on Indian soil, raising doubts about whether the team would work on these shortcomings or forget them.
Source: Link