London: Following India’s disappointing 2-0 Test series defeat to South Africa, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has challenged head coach Gautam Gambhir’s assertion that the Indian Test side is currently in a “transition” phase. India’s loss marked the third consecutive year in which they suffered a Test series defeat at home — a rare occurrence in their cricketing history.
‘These Are Top, Top Players’: Moeen Ali Rejects Transition Tag
Speaking to NDTV, Moeen Ali said he disagreed with Gambhir’s statement that India are rebuilding, stressing that the team still possesses world-class talent despite several high-profile retirements.
“I know he’s (Gambhir) saying it’s a rebuild, but it’s not really a rebuild. These guys are top players, one of the top top players,” Moeen said.
He added that India’s standards — especially at home — are exceptionally high:
“India expects to win in India all the time… they pride themselves on that home record in particular.”
His comments come amid recent transitions in leadership and personnel, including the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
India Suffer Heaviest Defeat in Test History
India’s crushing 408-run defeat in Guwahati — their largest loss by runs — highlighted the team’s struggles. The series setback also meant India have now lost five of their last seven home Tests, something that hasn’t occurred in 60 years.
With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from international cricket ahead of the series, India’s spin attack — featuring Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel — failed to contain the South African batting unit consistently.
‘Ashwin Is a Massive Miss’: Moeen Ali
Moeen emphasised the void left by Ashwin, especially in home conditions:
“I think Ashwin is a massive miss. The spinners they have are good, but Ashwin was the guy who gave them that. Especially in India, he was outstanding and he’s a big miss.”
Gambhir Defends His Stand: ‘This Is Exactly What Transition Is’
After the defeat, Gambhir maintained that India are undergoing a natural transition phase, urging fans and media to allow time for the team to adapt.
“I don’t give excuses… but I think this is something they’ll keep learning. I hate using this word transition. This is exactly what transition is,” Gambhir said after the Guwahati loss.
