Former captain Sunil Gavaskar was among the most outspoken critics after India's crushing nine-wicket World Cup defeat against Australia.

"India's pathetic showing in their game against Australia has almost ruined their World Cup chances," Gavaskar wrote in his Sunday newspaper column.

"Lack of application was a reason for the batsmen falling like nine pins. It was obvious India had not learnt anything from the New Zealand tour."

India were bowled out on a good Centurion pitch for 125 on Saturday, their lowest total in a World Cup match.

The team warmed up for the tournament by losing a one-day series 5-2 in New Zealand as well as losing the Tests 2-0.

Scathing criticism came from several other quarters.

"Our Men in Blue catch Yellow Fever," said a banner headline in The Hindustan Times newspaper.

"The team is mentally in shambles... It has become all so predictable that one need not watch a match at the ground. Somehow, one knows the batting is going to collapse within no time," the paper added.

"The day is not far when the only encounter worth watching for an Indian fan will be an India-Bangladesh tie."

India were dismissed for 204 by minnows Holland in their opening match in the tournament, although they still won the game.

Some commentators hinted India's poor showing could be a result of the players showing more interest in their commercial contracts than playing cricket.