IND vs SA: "Everyone is playing scared..." Former cricketer lashed out at the team management after India were all out for 93.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that Indian Test batsmen are struggling at home due to selection uncertainty.

On Sunday, the Indian team was bowled out for just 93 runs while chasing a target of 124 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, losing by 30 runs to South Africa. This leaves India trailing 0-1 in the two-match series.

India included four spinners: Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the first Test, while leaving out specialist number-3 batsman Sai Sudharshan. Sundar took over at number 3 and scored some runs, but Kaif highlighted the uncertainty in selection.

What Kaif Said

On his YouTube channel, Kaif cited the situation of Sarfaraz Khan, who has consistently missed out on a place in the team. The former Indian batsman said, "The players playing don't feel like anyone will support them. There's no support. Everyone is playing with fear. No one is playing freely."

He further said, "If Sarfaraz Khan's place isn't secure despite scoring a century, then I think there's a lot of confusion in this team. Sarfaraz Khan isn't able to make a comeback despite scoring a century. Sai Sudarshan scored 87 runs but didn't get to play the next match."

India Caught in Its Own Trap

It's worth noting that Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir said after the defeat in the first Test that the pitch was exactly what they had asked for. The bowlers dominated the Kolkata Test. Despite demanding a pitch that suited the Indian team, they flopped, suffering a 30-run defeat. The second and final Test between India and South Africa will be played in Guwahati from Saturday.