Mumbai: India’s ongoing freefall in Test cricket has sparked a fresh controversy after Virat Kohli’s brother, Vikas Kohli, launched a scathing attack on the BCCI, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the national selectors. His posts—shared on Instagram Threads and later deleted—were triggered during India’s struggle in their massive 549-run chase against South Africa in the Guwahati Test, putting them on the brink of a second home series whitewash within a year.
Vikas Kohli: “This is what happens when you boss around”
India went an entire decade—from December 2012 to October 2024—without losing a single Test series at home. That golden era, built first under Virat Kohli and later under Rohit Sharma, also included historic overseas triumphs like consecutive Border-Gavaskar victories in Australia.
But the dramatic slide since July 2024 has led to growing frustration among fans and now, family members. Vikas pointed out the stark contrast in India’s attitude then vs now:
“There was a time we played to win overseas… Now we are playing to save matches even in India. This is what happens when you change things unnecessarily which weren’t broken.”
“Kohli and Rohit didn’t step away… they were removed”
In another explosive post, Vikas alleged that senior stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma did not voluntarily exit Test cricket but were pushed out by the management.
He questioned the selection strategy that replaced specialist batters with all-rounders and even promoted Washington Sundar to No. 3.
“Team India strategy: remove senior experienced players, remove proper 3/4/5 batsmen, play a bowler at No. 3, and use all all-rounders.
South Africa strategy: play a proper Test match team with specialist batters, spinners, pacers…
Questions need to be asked. Who is responsible?”
Both posts quickly went viral before being deleted.
India’s slide under Gambhir raises tough questions
Since Gautam Gambhir took charge as head coach in July 2024, India have endured one of their worst phases in modern Test history:
Lost home series to New Zealand
Lost the Border–Gavaskar Trophy in Australia
Eliminated from the WTC 2023–25 race
Now staring at a second home whitewash, this time against South Africa
Following the retirement of Kohli, Rohit, and R. Ashwin, India drew 2–2 in England, defeated West Indies, but have once again been exposed by a well-drilled South African team.
Despite a few bright moments, critics believe selection inconsistency, lack of specialist batters, and over-experimentation have contributed to India’s deepening troubles.
A looming crisis
India, once virtually unbeatable at home, now find themselves in unfamiliar territory—scrambling for answers, direction, and identity.
Vikas Kohli’s outburst may have been deleted, but it reflects what many fans have been feeling:
Has India’s transition been mishandled?
As India brace for another defeat in Guwahati, the pressure on Gambhir, selectors, and team management continues to intensify.
