On Wednesday, November 26, during the Guwahati Test, India faced a massive defeat by 408 runs against South Africa in Test cricket. This defeat stands as their largest in terms of runs in Test history. With this loss, the Indian team was swept away in the home series against South Africa with a 0-2 defeat, marking their first series loss at home against the Proteas in 25 years.
This follows another home series whitewash against New Zealand last year, where the team lost 0-3. Questions are being raised about Gautam Gambhir's performance as head coach after this defeat.
Read More: 'In the Gambhir Era, Team India Derails at Home, Such a Fate Never Occurred in Test... Will BCCI Initiate Change?'
After the defeat to the African team, Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir appeared visibly disappointed on Wednesday, November 26. He stated that the BCCI would decide his future after the test series whitewash against Africa. However, he also reminded everyone of the significant achievements the team has had during his tenure.
Speaking to the media after the crushing defeat by 408 runs in Guwahati, Gambhir said, 'The BCCI will decide my future, but I am the same person who delivered results in England and won the Champions Trophy.' In fact, Gambhir was referencing this year's 2-2 draw series in England and the Champions Trophy title.
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He admitted, “Responsibility starts with everyone, beginning with me. We must play better; falling from 95/1 to 122/7 is unacceptable. You can't blame any player or shot individually; the mistake is collective. I have never blamed anyone personally, nor will I in the future.
During Gambhir's tenure, India has lost 10 out of 18 test matches, which includes two home whitewashes against New Zealand and now South Africa. The defeat to South Africa in Guwahati marks India's biggest Test loss in terms of runs.
Recently, Gambhir has faced criticism for continuous team changes and focusing more on all-rounders rather than specialist players in test cricket.
