Team India suffered a shocking 30-run defeat inside three days to South Africa in the first Test at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

This was India’s fourth loss in last six home Tests, stretching back to the 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand. They are now facing a must-win situation in the second Test to avoid another series loss at home.

After the Kolkata Test loss, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized the India team environment under head coach Gautam Gambhir, citing insecurity after Sarfaraz Khan and Sai Sudharsan were sidelined despite strong performances.

“Whichever players are playing, they don’t have a feeling that someone is standing for them. Koi backing nahi hai, sab dar ke khel rahe hain. (There is no backing; everyone is playing with fear.) Sab dar ke khel rahe hain, koi khul ke nahi khel raha (Everyone is playing in fear, nobody is playing with freedom)," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

“If Sarfaraz Khan’s place is not confirmed after 100 scoring a hundred. Even after scoring 100, he’s not able to make a comeback. Sai Sudharsan scored 87. He doesn’t play the next Test match. I think there is a lot of confusion in this team… Players ko apne pe belief kam ho gaya hai, thoda insecurity bhi aa gyi hai (Players are not believing in themselves, there is insecurity as well). When there is insecurity and you come to play at turning tracks, you won’t be able to do well," he added.

India failed to chase a target of 124 on a crumbling Eden pitch, getting bowled out for a paltry 93 to concede an unassailable 1-0 lead to Proteas in the two-match series.

Washington Sundar, who was promoted to No. 3 in the batting order, was the sole Indian player to cross 30-run mark in the fourth innings, battling his way to 31 off 92 deliveries.

“Why did Sundar play well? He comes from Chennai. He has grown by playing on turning tracks. He knows how to use his feet and which balls to play with soft hands. How to keep the bottom hand. Sai Sudharsan also comes from Chennai. If he were there at No. 3 and Sundar at No. 8, you would have won this Test match. He plays spin very well. Sudharsan comes from Chennai. He’s in form and scored 87. He’s not there in the playing XI," Kaif remarked.

India will have some time to regroup and reassess their batting plans before taking on South Africa in the second Test at Guwahati from November 22.