India’s heavy loss in Guwahati - a 408-run hammering by South Africa - left more than a scorecard to sort out. A vocal section of the Barsapara crowd turned its anger toward head coach Gautam Gambhir, chanting “Gambhir go back” as players filed out for the post-match rituals.
On the field, the scoreline told its own story. Chasing 549, India folded for 140, sealing their heaviest Test defeat by runs and giving South Africa their first series win in India since 2000. The scenes cast a long shadow over a team already struggling at home and handed fuel to the selection and tactics debate around Gambhir.
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And while the margin of defeat was alarming, what happened in the stands became an equally defining part of the evening.
Why Gautam Gambhir was booed in Guwahati?
The boos began as the post-match presentation got under way and didn’t die down until players and staff had tried to calm the stands. Mohammed Siraj was the first to step in, motioning to the crowd to stop.
When the chants didn’t fade, he and assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak walked up to the boundary and appealed directly to the section causing the disturbance. Police later detained one spectator for unruly conduct.
Those scenes - an agitated crowd and Siraj stepping in to calm things down - will follow the team to Ranchi and influence how supporters approach the next game.
Gautam Gambhir’s selection calls under scrutiny after India’s Test collapse
On the scoreboard the damage is stark. South Africa’s dominant display sealed a 2-0 sweep; India’s batting imploded on day five and the margin of 408 runs is the largest by which India have ever lost a Test.
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That result also handed South Africa their first series victory on Indian soil in 25 years and dented India’s WTC 2025-27 hopes, sharpening the spotlight on Test selection, tactics and match management under Gambhir’s watch.
Gambhir’s emphasis on multi-skilled players has also drawn scrutiny. He has been clear about prioritising all-rounders and giving them more exposure across formats.
But that approach hasn’t gone down well with everyone. Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary criticised the selection calls, arguing that India overlooked players who had excelled in domestic conditions.
But on the other hand, his tenure has also delivered in white-ball cricket. India won the 2025 Champions Trophy under his watch, going unbeaten to claim their third title, and followed it with the 2025 Asia Cup triumph over Pakistan.
That contrast between white-ball success and Test struggles shapes much of the current debate. Ranchi’s response will depend on both performance and the mood leading into the game.
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