Teams used to be scared to come to India to play Test cricket. Now they must be licking their lips: Dinesh Karthik

Former Indian keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has slammed the Indian Test team for their 408-run drubbing to South Africa at home as India suffered a 0-2 Test series defeat to the Proteas at home.

Speaking exclusively on his Instagram handle, Karthik asserted that teams used to be scared to come to India to play the longest format of the game. However, times have changed now, adding that now, the teams must be licking their lips to travel to India. 

“Teams used to be scared to come to India to play Test cricket. Now they must be licking their lips. I mean, a second whitewash in a span of 12 months. In the last 3 series played here in India, 2 have been whitewashes. These are tough times for India in test cricket and tough decisions might have to be taken. But what is lacking? Is it the quality of players, the inability to play spin? Pacers and spinners are being out-bowled in India. One too many allrounders being played. Nitish Reddy, the nominated allrounder, pace allrounder, has bowled 14 overs across the whole domestic calendar season in Test cricket in India. India had just 2 players who have scored hundreds in this Test series. South Africa had 7. I mean, c’mon, we are better than that. How can suddenly there be a nosedive in Test cricket?,” Karthik said on his Instagram handle.

With the 408-run loss, India slipped to the fifth rank in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. Furthermore, Karthik asserted that Indian team has very few chances of making it to the WTC final this time around.

“In the WTC cycle, 65 Test matches that have been played, India’s No.3 holds the second-worst record in the 1st innings of a Test match averaging 26. That is something for us to ponder about. Who is our No. 3? How much stability are we going to give in. Washington plays at No.3 in Kolkata, Sai Sudharsan is playing No.3 in Guwahati. Is chopping and changing helping India or do we need to give more stability and consistency? What is the answer? It almost feels like this WTC cycle, India have very minimal chances. 2 away games against Sri Lanka, 2 away games against New Zealand and 5 Tests against Australia at home,” he added.

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