Indian Players’ Dismal Body Language Raises Concerns
India’s performance in the Guwahati Test left fans and former cricketers deeply concerned, especially due to the visibly poor body language displayed throughout the match. The lack of confidence was evident not only when the Indian batters struggled to handle the South African spinners—often appearing uncertain and defensive—but also during their time on the field. Shoulders dropped quickly, intensity faded, and the energy levels were far from the standards expected in Test cricket.
A major talking point was the demeanour of stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, who is usually known for his upbeat attitude and constant chatter behind the stumps. This time, however, Pant appeared unusually subdued. His decision-making in terms of field placements and bowling changes also reflected that dip in confidence. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted this issue by sharing a picture on X, showing Pant looking lost behind the stumps, while expressing hope that India would show more fight in the second innings.
Ashwin’s post quickly gained traction, with many fans and analysts agreeing that the Indian side appeared mentally drained. The fielders’ reactions whenever a South African partnership began to build further reinforced the perception of a team struggling to stay composed.
Absence of Virat Kohli’s Energy Felt in the Indian Camp
Adding to the discussion, former cricketer Sreevats Goswami, who has played alongside Virat Kohli at the U-19 level and for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), remarked that Kohli’s presence and infectious energy were sorely missed. Despite India fielding a squad filled with young players, the overall vibe seemed unusually flat compared to the usual high-octane spirit associated with Kohli-era India.
India’s struggles on the field translated directly into the match situation. After conceding a massive 288-run lead, the team allowed South Africa to pile on an additional 260 runs. This left India facing a daunting target of 549—one of the highest in Test history. As if the challenge wasn’t already steep, India lost both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, late on Day 4, further denting their hopes of mounting a comeback.
The Guwahati Test has sparked a larger conversation about leadership, mindset, and on-field energy within the Indian camp—areas they must urgently address to bounce back in the series.
