The Indian team's loss in the Southampton Test against England has sparked a wave of criticism from former players, with Virender Sehwag specifically targeting coach Ravi Shastri for the team's poor showing.
During their tour of England, India found themselves trailing 2-1 after the first three Test matches. In the decisive fourth match at Southampton, India failed to chase down a target of 245 runs, losing by 60 runs. Consequently, England secured the series with a final score of 3-1.
Having previously lost series in England during 2011 and 2014, there was a strong belief that Virat Kohli would lead the team to a historic win this time. However, the series ended in disappointment. While the bowling attack stood strong, the batting was largely ineffective, except for the efforts of Rahane, Pujara, and Kohli.
Before the tour began, coach Ravi Shastri had confidently told the press that India had evolved into a side capable of dominating regardless of the venue or country they played in.
Sehwag countered this claim, stating that Shastri's assertions were mere talk. He emphasized that being a world-class team capable of winning abroad is proven through results on the field, not through conversations held behind closed doors in the dressing room.
Sehwag remarked that while anyone is free to say whatever they like, such words are meaningless if the batsmen cannot perform; without runs on the board, India can never truly be called a team that excels in foreign conditions.