India defeated South Africa 2-1 in the ODI series on Saturday, offering a much-needed sense of redemption for the Gautam Gambhir-coached side following the heavy criticism that followed their disastrous Test outing. Earlier, India had been clean-swept 2-0 in the Test series, triggering widespread backlash against the former opener and newly appointed head coach.
India’s Test campaign had fallen apart dramatically. In the first Test in Kolkata, India failed to chase a modest target of 124 in the fourth innings. The second Test in Guwahati ended even more embarrassingly, with South Africa winning by 408 runs, marking India’s biggest defeat in Test cricket. It was also the second time under Gambhir’s tenure that India had suffered a Test whitewash, raising questions about his suitability and tactical approach in red-ball coaching.
Not even close, what a complete thrashing at home! Don’t remember seeing our test side being so weak at home!!!This is what happens when red ball specialists are not picked. This team is nowhere near reflective of the deep strength we possess in the red ball format. Time for…
— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) November 26, 2025
Following the ODI series win on Saturday, Gambhir appeared visibly frustrated during the post-series press conference. He strongly rejected the narrative circulating in the media and pointed out that India had played the crucial first Test without their captain, Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck injury and was unable to bat in either innings.
“Look, there were a lot of talks, no doubt, because the results didn’t go in our favor,” Gambhir said. “But the most surprising thing is that no one—not the media, not any journal—mentioned that we played the first Test without a captain who didn’t bat in both innings. And the difference in that match was just three runs. Just because I do not give excuses publicly does not mean the facts should not be shown to the world.”
Gambhir further explained that losing Gill—a batter who has scored almost 1,000 runs in his last seven Tests—significantly affected the team, especially during a transition phase.
“When you lose your captain, who is also one of the most in-form red-ball batters, obviously the results become difficult. This team does not have much red-ball experience, and yet no one talked about it,” he said.
The coach also expressed disappointment over external commentary, including remarks about pitch conditions and pointed criticism from individuals “who have nothing to do with cricket.” He specifically referred to comments made by Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal, who suggested that India should move to a split coaching system.
“People need to stay within their domain,” Gambhir said. “If we do not step into someone else’s area of work, they should not step into ours.”
Jindal had earlier criticised the team on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Not even close, what a complete thrashing at home! Don’t remember seeing our Test side being so weak at home! This is what happens when red-ball specialists are not picked… Time for India to move to a specialist red-ball coach for Test cricket @BCCI.”
Despite the controversy and ongoing debate over team management and selection, India’s ODI triumph offers the team some stability as they prepare for the upcoming T20 series.