Table of Contents
- The Silenced Critique: Vikas Kohli’s Deleted Post
- Guwahati Nightmare: The Collapse That Sparked Outrage
- What’s Wrong with Team India Management?
- From World-Beaters to the Drawing Board
- Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Cricket
- Sources
The Indian cricket team is facing one of its most turbulent phases, and the criticism is no longer just from fans and pundits. In a rare and direct move, Vikas Kohli, the elder brother of superstar Virat Kohli, has publicly questioned the competence of the Team India management. His remarks, though swiftly deleted, have ignited a firestorm of debate about the direction of Indian cricket.
The Silenced Critique: Vikas Kohli’s Deleted Post
Vikas Kohli, a fitness entrepreneur with his own public platform, took to social media to express his frustration. His post, reportedly on Threads, carried a veiled but unmistakable message: “This is what happens when you try to boss around…” . The implication was clear—he was targeting the current leadership structure, widely understood to include head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selection committee .
The post was quickly deleted, but not before screenshots went viral across cricketing circles . The act of deletion only fueled speculation about the internal tensions and the pressure on those connected to the team. Vikas, known for his straightforward opinions, seemed to be echoing a sentiment shared by millions of fans: something is fundamentally broken in the Team India management system.
Guwahati Nightmare: The Collapse That Sparked Outrage
Vikas Kohli’s outburst didn’t occur in a vacuum. It came on the heels of a humiliating performance in the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. After a strong first-innings total of 414, India’s batting order spectacularly imploded in their second innings, managing just 169 runs . This handed South Africa a massive lead of 314 runs by the end of day three, putting the hosts on the brink of a historic home series defeat .
The nature of the collapse—reminiscent of the 30-run first-Test loss in Kolkata—highlighted a lack of mental resilience and tactical coherence. As former captain Ravi Shastri noted, there seemed to be a complete disconnect in the team’s thought process . This consistent pattern of self-destruction at home is unprecedented in recent Indian cricket history and is the primary catalyst for the current wave of criticism.
What’s Wrong with Team India Management?
The core of Vikas Kohli’s frustration, and that of many observers, lies in the perceived dismantling of a once-successful system. Under the previous leadership, India was a dominant force at home and competitive everywhere. Now, the team appears rudderless. Key issues include:
- Poor Batting Strategy: The team’s inability to adapt to challenging pitches and build partnerships has been a recurring theme .
- Questionable Team Selections: The balance of the XI has been a topic of intense debate, with experts questioning the management’s choices .
- Lack of Clear Vision: There seems to be no cohesive long-term plan, with the team’s approach appearing reactive rather than proactive .
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, a legendary figure as a player, has found his tenure under immense scrutiny . While he has defended his batters, the on-field results tell a different story, leading to widespread calls for a strategic overhaul from the Team India management.
From World-Beaters to the Drawing Board
Vikas Kohli’s commentary is particularly poignant because it draws a stark contrast between past glory and present struggle. He lamented how India has fallen from being world-beaters to a team now fighting just to avoid a series sweep on home soil . This sentiment resonates deeply with fans who have watched the team’s confidence visibly ebb away over the last few months.
This situation isn’t isolated. It’s part of a larger narrative of a team in transition that has lost its way. The pressure is now on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to either back the current Team India management with a clear mandate or make the tough calls necessary to restore order. For more on the team’s recent struggles, check out our deep dive into the [INTERNAL_LINK:india-test-cricket-crisis].
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Cricket
Vikas Kohli’s deleted social media post is more than just a family member’s venting; it’s a powerful signal from within the cricketing ecosystem. The criticism of the Team India management is a culmination of repeated failures, tactical blunders, and a loss of the team’s once-unshakeable home advantage. Whether his words will lead to any tangible change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Indian cricket is at a crossroads, and its management must find a way forward quickly to avoid a deeper crisis.
Sources
Times of India
Social Media Reports
Times of India
Official Match Scorecard
Cricket News Outlets
Cricket Analysis Reports
Ravi Shastri’s Comments
Cricket Analysis Reports
Fan Reaction Reports
Ravi Shastri’s Criticism
Vikas Kohli’s Post Analysis