India's recent 0-2 Test series defeat to South Africa on home soil has sparked a wave of criticism aimed at head coach Gautam Gambhir. Since he took the helm in 2024, this marks the second time India has faced a home whitewash. His record in Test matches so far includes victories over Bangladesh and the West Indies, a drawn series against England, and losses to New Zealand, Australia, and now South Africa. While Gambhir has made a few tactical missteps, the issues plaguing the team go beyond just coaching. One of the major challenges for India has been their batters' struggle to cope with spin, even in familiar home conditions. Throughout the two Tests, Indian batsmen found it tough against South Africa’s spinners, losing 25 out of 40 wickets to spin. Simon Harmer alone claimed 17 wickets in the series. Despite experts urging Indian players to participate in domestic cricket to stay sharp on spin-friendly pitches, very few top batters consistently engage in these matches. Even after a loss in Kolkata, Gambhir emphasized the need to improve against spin, yet the same mistakes were repeated in Guwahati. With a tour to Sri Lanka, where conditions will be similar, looming in 10 months, the team must urgently address this vulnerability. Read also: T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule: Dates, Times, Fixtures, Teams & Venues Announced Indian Spinners Struggle as Team Balance Issues Deepen The Indian spinners also struggled to make their mark. While South Africa’s less experienced spinners adapted effectively, India’s bowlers found it difficult to generate turn. Across both Tests, they collectively took only 21 wickets. T he root of the problem lies in the lack of exposure to challenging turning tracks in domestic cricket. If India desires turning pitches at home, spinners need to regularly practice on such surfaces. Otherwise, the team should reconsider asking for those types of pitches altogether. Gambhir’s inclination towards all-rounders has also disrupted the team’s balance. In an effort to bolster the batting lineup, the bowling has suffered, leaving players unclear about their roles. Former cricketers have highlighted the importance of reverting to specialists rather than overloading the XI with all-rounders. For India to progress, both strategic clarity and technical enhancements are crucial.