The mood inside Barsapara Stadium on Wednesday was toxic. India had just been thrashed by 408 runs in the second Test, completing a 2-0 whitewash against South Africa and marking the country’s biggest-ever defeat by runs in Test cricket.
Fans, who turned up for Guwahati’s first-ever Test match expected history didn’t think they would see India suffer this fate They were all pumped up on Day 1 but when the match progressed, Gautam Gambhir-coached side gave them no reasons to be cheerful. Fans were also vocal against the Indian head coach, who has become the first coach to see two Test series whitewash at home.
‘Gautam Gambhir Haaye Haaye’
As the players walked around the boundary after the post-match presentation, the crowd erupted into deafening chants of “Gautam Gambhir haaye haaye”, showering frustration toward the head coach after another forgettable red-ball outing. That’s when Mohammed Siraj, visibly irritated, turned toward the stands and signaled them to quieten down, pressing a finger to his lips. While batting coach Sitanshu Kotak angrily shouted back at a section of the fans. He asked fans to behave themselves for a person who has served Indian cricket for so many years.
Humiliation for India
This wasn’t just another loss. Guwahati hosted its first-ever Test match, and fans watched India fold in embarrassing fashion. South Africa celebrated a historic win, their first Test series win in India in 25 years, and jumped to second in the WTC table. Meanwhile, India looked clueless, beaten in every department, and walked off to loud jeering.
The whitewash also drags the spotlight onto Gautam Gambhir’s position. Since taking over, India have lost five of their last seven home Tests, including back-to-back series defeats to SENA teams.
In the post-match press conference, Gambhir was asked point-blank whether he should continue as Test coach. He didn’t dodge it.
“It is for the BCCI to decide. Indian cricket is important; I am not important,” he said, before reminding everyone that India also won the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup under him and pushed England hard earlier this year. “This is a team which is learning.”
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