India appear ripe for the picking for Australia to produce a 23-year first in the subcontinent after suffering back-to-back losses to New Zealand and South Africa at home. Cricket fans are fuming in India after they lost by 408 runs to South Africa in the second Test – their heaviest defeat ever.
South Africa have sealed the series 2-0, making it five losses in seven home matches for India after a staggering 3-0 defeat to New Zealand last year. With Australia set to tour India in early 2027, it appears the perfect time to take advantage.
Australia haven’t won a Test series in India since 2004, and by the time 2027 rolls around it will be a 23-year drought. But cricket writer Bharat Sundaresan summed it up on Wednesday, writing on social media: “It’s still 14 months away but Australia will be looking on and feel like they have India for the taking.”
Pressure is mounting on Gautam Gambhir (L) after India were thrashed at home by New Zealand and South Africa. Image: BCCI/Getty
However the timing could be a lot better for Australia. Had they been touring India this year or last, they’d seemingly be much better placed. By the time 2027 rolls around, their Test team could look vastly different.
Australia has an ageing Test team, with hardly anyone under the age of 30. The futures of Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon are all up in the air, and who knows whether any of them will be there in India in 2027.
India coach responds to shock back-to-back home losses
The future of India coach Gautam Gambhir is also under a massive cloud, with many calling for his dismissal after overseeing the back-to-back home thrashings. “It is up to BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to decide,” Gambhir said when asked if he’s still the right man for the job on Wednesday.
“I’ve said it during my first press conference when I took over as the head coach – Indian cricket is important, I’m not important. And I sit here saying exactly the same thing.”
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The 44-year-old took over from Rahul Dravid last year, and has now lost 10 out of 19 Tests since being in charge. His current contract runs until the ODI World Cup in 2027.
“People can keep forgetting I’m the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team,” he said about the drawn series in the UK last year. “And I’m sure you guys will forget very soon because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand. And I’m the same guy under who we won the Champions Trophy and Asian Cup as well.”
India were bowled out for just 140 on Wednesday while chasing a record 549 for victory. Their highest total in the two Tests was 201 in the first innings in Guwahati.
“I don’t give excuses and I have never done that in the past,” said Gambhir. “But if you see four or five batters in this top eight have literally played less than 15 Tests. And they will grow. They are learning on the job.”
South Africa handed India their biggest loss in Test cricket history. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP via Getty Images)
Cricket fans demand change after Test ’embarrassment’
Speaking on the ‘Willow Talk’ podcast on Wednesday, Aussie great Brad Haddin said: “You don’t lose at home. Not acceptable (for them). There will be ramifications. There’s definitely questions (about Gambhir). This doesn’t happen. India do not lose back-to-back home series.”
The reaction in India has been swift and severe, with fans and commentators labelling it “embarrassing” and “unacceptable”. But Gambhir was quick to point out that India are transitioning and blooding some youngsters after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
“All of us need to give them time and I am sure they have got the skill, they have got the talent, they have got the ability,” the coach added. “I do not think something like this has happened where the transition is happening in the spin-bowling department and in a batting department as well.”