Fans Chant “Gautam Gambhir Hai Hai” After India’s Crushing 408-Run Test Loss

India’s crushing 2-0 Test series defeat to South Africa has sparked a fierce backlash from fans, with chants of “Gautam Gambhir hai hai” echoing around the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati as the head coach walked off after the final day’s play.

Fans Turn On Gambhir After Record Defeat

Under Gautam Gambhir, India slumped to a 408-run hammering in the second Test, their heaviest defeat by runs in Test history and South Africa’s first series win in India since 2000.

The result also made it two home whitewashes in 13 months and left India’s World Test Championship final hopes badly damaged, with five home losses against New Zealand and South Africa in this stretch.

As the players and staff were on the field post-match, sections of the Guwahati crowd loudly chanted “Gautam Gambhir hai hai,” with cameras capturing the coach’s reaction as the criticism rained down.

How South Africa Dominated The Guwahati Test

The decider turned into a showcase of ruthless South African control from the moment they batted first. Senuran Muthusamy’s gritty 109 and Marco Jansen’s powerful 93 drove the visitors to 489, setting the tone.

Jansen then ripped through India with 6/48 as the hosts folded for 201, conceding a 288-run first-innings deficit.

Refusing to ease off, South Africa piled on 260/5 declared in the second innings, built around Tristan Stubbs’ composed 94 and aggressive strokeplay down the order.

Chasing an impossible target, India were routed again as off-spinner Simon Harmer, already the hero from the Kolkata Test, returned sensational figures of 6/37 to complete the 408-run demolition.

Indian Batters Falter, Questions Grow Louder

India’s resistance was sporadic: Sai Sudharsan showed flashes of class, while Ravindra Jadeja’s fighting 54 offered a brief glimmer before yet another collapse under pressure.

The repeated batting failures have amplified scrutiny of selection calls, tactical plans, and the overall direction of the Test side under Gambhir. Former players and pundits have already questioned the constant chopping and changing and the balance of the XI, and this latest result has intensified calls for answers from the coach and team management.

BCCI officials are now expected to hold serious discussions with Gambhir, with his Test future reportedly under review after this historic setback.