BCCI arrests Indian cricket stakeholder from Guwahati after South Africa series loss

Indian fans booed head coach Gautam Gambhir after India were crushed by South Africa by 408 runs in the second and final Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The frustration inside the venue escalated to the point where one spectator was taken into custody for unruly conduct directed at the Indian head coach.

This defeat was India’s biggest loss in Test cricket. It is worth mentioning that South Africa secured their first series win in India since 2000. It also hurt India’s chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 final, and it was their second home series sweep in 13 months under Gambhir’s tenure.

Fan Arrested for ‘Gautam Gambhir Haye-Haye’ Chant

Many angry fans showed their frustration toward Gautam Gambhir following the defeat. As soon as the match ended in Guwahati, the crowd started shouting “Gambhir, haye haye” and “Gambhir, go back,” and they did it right in front of him.

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The players also became aware of the situation. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj walked toward the boundary and requested the crowd to stop shouting. Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak joined him, but even then, some fans continued to heckle.

Police officers at the ground noticed the situation and stepped in. They asked the crowd to stop the chanting and tried to calm them down.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the incident was serious enough for BCCI team managers to file an official complaint. Police later identified one of the main individuals involved in the chanting and took him into custody from the stands.

This is shameless and pathetic. If you cannot handle criticism when you lose, then don't play cricket. pic.twitter.com/YBjRKPLsRW

— 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 👑 (@Goatlified) November 27, 2025

Fans Blame Gautam Gambhir’s Selections; Shubman Gill Reacts

India’s loss on Wednesday added to their recent struggles at home. They have now lost five of their last seven home Tests, something that has not happened in 66 years. It is also only the third time ever that India has lost two Test series in a row at home.

Many fans blame these results on Gambhir’s coaching, saying the team has poor selections and too many all-rounders instead of proper batsmen. Shubman Gill did not blame anyone after the defeat. He asked everyone to stay calm and support the team.

"Calm seas don’t teach you how to steer; it’s the storm that forges steady hands. We’ll continue to believe in each other, fight for each other, and move forward - rising stronger," Gill wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

India’s Series Defeat to South Africa Exposes Flaws in the Team

India's 2-0 Test series defeat to South Africa exposed flaws in the team. Gautam Gambhir’s inconsistent decisions, like dropping Sai Sudharsan for Axar Patel and confusing team composition, highlighted a lack of tactical expertise in the longest format.

Indian batters didn’t have a range of shots against spin on challenging pitches, struggling to find the right balance between attack and defence. Notably, the overall team combination never looked settled.

India must develop a long-term tactical vision from the coaching staff. Batters must improve their defensive and attacking skills against spin, especially on turning tracks. The team also needs to nurture a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder to bring essential balance and depth to the playing XI.

Also read: Venkatesh Prasad blames Gautam Gambhir for destroying Indian Test team, WV Raman agrees: “Can’t function on such egos…”