Mohammad Kaif hits out at Gambhir, says players lacked confidence.
India's shock collapse in Kolkata has triggered a fresh wave of criticism, this time from former India batter Mohammad Kaif, who has openly questioned head coach Gautam Gambhir's team management and selection strategy. India were bowled out for 93 while chasing just 124 against South Africa in the first Test, handing the visitors a 30-run lead in the two-match series.
While the defeat itself was disappointing, Kaif believes the deeper issue lies in how the team is being handled. He claimed that several players currently feel insecure about their places, leading to fear and hesitation in their batting approach, something he says is now visible on the field.
According to Kaif, players no longer seem confident that their spot is safe even after strong performances, which has left them playing with pressure rather than freedom. He suggested that there is a lack of trust and continuity, which is affecting player morale and performance.
One of Kaif's biggest criticism points was the decision to drop B Sai Sudharsan, who scored 87 in the previous Test, in favour of Washington Sundar at No. 3. While Sundar battled bravely in the fourth innings, Kaif argued that the call created unnecessary instability and sent the wrong message to players waiting for opportunities.
He compared Sudharsan's situation to Sarfaraz Khan, who scored a century but still lost his place, an example Kaif used to illustrate how players could feel "punished even when performing well." In Kaif's view, this inconsistent selection pattern has created confusion and self-doubt among the squad.
Kaif added that insecurity becomes even more dangerous when matches are being played on turning tracks. He said that when players already lack belief in their place, facing spin-friendly pitches only adds to the mental pressure, ultimately hurting India's batting performances.
He further discussed why Sundar succeeded where others failed. Kaif explained that Sundar's Chennai upbringing and experience on rank turners helped him judge spin well, use his feet, and employ soft hands to survive. He noted that Sudharsan, also from Tamil Nadu and well-versed in similar conditions, could have been equally effective and possibly made the difference if he had played at No. 3.
Gambhir, for his part, defended the pitch and praised Sundar's fight, but Kaif believes India's issues go beyond the surface. He suggested that Gambhir's aggressive approach may be contributing to a sense of unease rather than backing players to grow with confidence.
With the second Test approaching and India now trailing the series, the focus is no longer only on skill, but whether India can restore belief, clarity, and stability in their dressing room.
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