The Indian team has faced severe criticism after losing the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens by 30 runs. On a turning track, the Indian batting came a cropper. They failed to chase down a 124-run target in the fourth innings on Day 3.
India's 1983 World Cup winner, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, questioned India's strategy and also lambasted the support staff, "who seem more interested in keeping their positions safe than actually contributing."
Sandhu also seconded former India captain Sourav Ganguly's opinion of handing Mohammed Shami a comeback in the national team. He noted that the Bengal seamer has proven his fitness in domestic cricket, having picked up 20 wickets in four matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.