NEW DEHLI – India’s back-to-back Test series whitewash defeats have triggered intense backlash, with fans and former cricketers demanding the removal of head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar after South Africa’s dominant 2-0 victory on Indian soil.
South Africa’s historic win in the Guwahati Test not only sealed the series but also propelled captain Temba Bavuma into the record books as the most successful Test captain without a defeat. Bavuma now holds 11 wins and one draw in 12 Tests.
India, already reeling from their first-ever 3-0 home Test whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in 2024, suffered another humiliating clean sweep in less than a year—this time against South Africa, marking the Proteas’ first Test series win in India since 2000.
Former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad launched a scathing attack on Gambhir, calling him “mentally unfit,” while veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin described India’s batting display as one of their worst ever against South Africa.
Guwahati Test: Heavy defeat for India
South Africa dominated throughout the match, handing India a crushing 408-run defeat on the fifth day of the Guwahati Test.
The visitors opted to bat first, posting a formidable 489 runs. India faltered in response, dismissed for 201 and conceding a 288-run lead. South Africa then declared their second innings at 260 for 5, setting India a massive target.
India collapsed again, bowled out for 140 in the second innings, sealing a 408-run loss.
The series defeat marks South Africa’s first Test triumph in India in 25 years, following their previous success in 2000. Earlier in the series, South Africa had clinched the Eden Gardens Test by 30 runs on the third day.
‘We batted long to tire Indian bowlers,’ says South African coach
