"We got out on short balls as well" - Former opener blames lack of preparation for India's 2-0 loss in IND vs SA 2025 Tests

Former opener Aakash Chopra attributed India's 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa at home to lack of preparation. According to Chopra, the Proteas came much better prepared and the end result reflected the same. He also urged the BCCI to focus on preparing better pitches for home Tests going forward.

South Africa beat India by a mammoth 408 runs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday, November 26. Set to chase a target of 549, India resumed Day 5 at 27-2 and were bowled out for 140. With the 2-0 triumph, the Proteas registered their first Test series win in India since 2000.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra praised South Africa for their clinical series win, while lamenting the lack of application from India. He commented:

"We'll have to review where we. Of the last seven Test matches at home, we have lost five matches. I think we have to focus on preparing the right kind of pitches. Also, the story is not about weapons and its quality, but how ready you are. New Zealand were ready even though they lost to Sri Lanka. They were better prepared and so were South Africa.

"Their coach said that they may not be the better side, but they were better equipped. And that preparation was seen. They played better and showed more application on a turning pitch. So, I think lack of preparation was evident from India. We got out on short balls as well. Marco Jansen bowled bouncers and got four out," Chopra went on to add.

Off spinner Simon Harmer starred for South Africa, with 17 wickets in four innings at an average of 8.94. With the bat, Tristan Stubbs scored 163 runs at an average of 54.33.

---

Ravindra Jadeja only Indian batter to show some resolve on Day 5 of Guwahati Test

While winning the Guwahati Test was out of question on Day 5 for India, they still had a chance of drawing the match. However, barring Ravindra Jadeja (54), no other batter showed any kind of resolve with the willow. As a result, the hosts were all-out for 140.

Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for 14 off 139 balls, Dhruv Jurel perished for two, skipper Rishabh Pant for 13 and Washington Sundar for 16. Nitish Kumar Reddy fell without scoring as India's batting collapsed yet again.