'Remove Gambhir!' - Fans bash head coach Gautam Gambhir after India’s loss to South Africa in 1st Test

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir is under scrutiny after the hosts lost the first Test match against South Africa by 30 runs. Despite playing at home, the loss didn't sit well with the viewers and former cricketers. Gambhir and Co. took some decisions which affected the match’s results and that's been quite upsetting.

The hosts played with four spinners but none of them could take advantage of the conditions. Instead, South Africa’s Simon Harmer claimed eight wickets in the match, making the Indian batters struggle in both the innings. Marco Jansen was brilliant as well.

Another mistake that India made was dropping Sai Sudarshan from the squad when he was a batter who knows how to play spin better in such conditions. This is India's fourth loss in six matches at home. With the WTC cycle going on, every defeat is stressful. Despite India being on the third position of the points table, this loss will lead to a drop in the win percentage.

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After the South Africa series, India will travel to Sri Lanka and New Zealand to play a Test series. So, away games will be much trickier than one could imagine. New Zealand's pace attack is outstanding and they are accustomed to their home conditions as well. They will not let the batters play freely, which might lead to another disappointing loss.

Fans not happy with Gautam Gambhir as head coach of India

This isn't the first time the Indian audience have asked the BCCI to sack Gautam Gambhir from the head coach’s position after a disappointing loss against an opponent. After Gambhir joined the team, India's performance in red-ball cricket has dropped massively. From 2015-2022, India had lost just two home games. However, India lost the home series against New Zealand back in October 2024.

Now, losing the first match against South Africa was not something anyone saw coming. The hosts looked in great form in the previous tour against West Indies but the ongoing series exposed them and the mistakes they made even before the start of the game. Now, the fans’ outrage has started against Gambhir on social media.

Also read: IND vs SA: What a Test series loss to South Africa would mean for India’s long-term plans?

How to watch the India vs South Africa, 2nd Test?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa, 2nd Test online from November 22 on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.