India's recent Test defeat to South Africa underscore a flawed strategy, relying heavily on all-rounders while neglecting specialist roles.

Eight recognized batters on the team sheet. Yet India capitulated for 189 and 93 at Eden Gardens, surrendering a home Test to South Africa for the first time since 2010. The all-rounder-first blueprint that once resembled cricket’s ultimate cheat code now looks like a strategic blind spot.

India’s template appeared bulletproof on paper. Ravindra Jadeja ’s recent entry into the 4000-run and 300-wicket club - joining Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, and Daniel Vettori - validated the approach with elite numbers, not empty promises.

By early 2023, India had accumulated 11 partnerships exceeding 50 runs for the seventh wicket or lower at home since 2021, predom

See Full Page