Former RCB wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami believes India's Test team lacks Virat Kohli's infectious energy and belief, arguing that latter’s retirement from the longest format was premature.

Goswami’s comment comes as the Indian team is staring at a second home Test series defeat within a year, a stark contrast to Kohli's dominant era.

Having lost the opening Test against South Africa in Kolkata by 30 runs, India are facing a must win situation in the ongoing Guwahati Test to avoid another series loss at home after the humiliating 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand last year.

However, the hosts found themselves in dire straits at stumps on Day 3 after conceding a hefty first innings lead of 288 runs. The Proteas stretched their overall lead to 314 runs at the close of play.

Disappointed by India’s dismal show, Goswami took to 'X' and said Kohli's retirement from Tests came too soon and the format “misses him” far more than ODIs.

"Ideally Virat should have left playing ODIs & continued playing Test cricket until he had nothing to give. Test cricket misses him. Not just as a player but just the energy he brought, the love & passion playing for India where he made the team believe that they can win in any condition," Goswami wrote.

India’s misery continued on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test, with South Africa extending their lead to over 400 runs in the second session.

The Proteas are so far ahead in the game that even a draw would be a miracle result for the home side.