“Blame lies with everyone and starts with me”- Gautam Gambhir after India is thrashed by 408 runs by South Africa

The Rishabh Pant-led Indian team lost the Guwahati Test to South Africa by a massive 408 runs, resulting in a devastating loss and their lowest run total. In the series, Temba Bavuma's team defeated India 2-0.

Advertisment

In the second Test, India was all out for 140 when chasing a huge goal of 549 runs. Off-spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed six wickets and nine during the game, was crucial to South Africa's historic victory. In India, the Proteas won their first Test series since 2000. The 408-run loss is India's lowest run total in Test cricket.

Speaking to the media after the match, India head coach Gautam Gambhir said he and the entire team were guilty for the loss.

"Blame lies with everyone in the dressing room and starts with me, to everyone in the dressing room. I have said it before as well that we win together, we lose together. So I am not going to be someone who is going to say that it lies with X, Y or Z. It lies with everyone sitting in that room, as simple as it can get. That is what team sport is all about," Gambhir was quoted as saying by ANI.

Gambhir added that comparing this series loss to the New Zealand series is probably a wrong narrative.

"I am sure you guys cover a lot of cricket and I am sure when you see this batting line-up, the experience that this batting line-up has and the experience that team had to what this team has is chalk and cheese. So, comparing everything to New Zealand series is probably a wrong narrative. I don't give excuses. I have never done that in the past. I will never do it in the future as well. But if you see four or five batters in this top eight have literally played less than 15 test matches. And they will grow. They are learning on the field," Gambhir stated.

"Test cricket is never easy when you are playing against a top-quality side. So you have got to give them time as well. So, for me, I think that is something they will keep learning. Hopefully, they keep learning. That is important. Because I know that I hate using this word transition. This is exactly what transition is. When you have got in test cricket, when you have got your batting line-up which has literally played less than 15-20 test matches, they need time to absorb pressure. They need time to keep getting better against quality attacks and against quality sides," Gambhir added.

Advertisment

For the third time in Test cricket history, the Indian team has been thoroughly defeated at home. Two of the three were under Gambhir, the head coach. Under Gambhir's leadership, India lost to South Africa 0-2 and 0-3 the previous year. Under Gambhir, India has lost 10 of the 18 Test matches, including the two home whitewashes.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!