Ravindra Jadeja went against Gautam Gambhir in Guwahati! Test Retirement loading soon?

Cracks between Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and head coach Gautam Gambhir came to light after their massive 408-run defeat in the second and final Test against South Africa in Guwahati. It is being said that Ravindra Jadeja defied Gautam Gambhir’s order on the final day in Guwahati.

On the final day, when India needed to show some fight while chasing an impossible target, the team was asked to play in a completely defensive manner, and they bowled out for just 140 runs while chasing 549 runs against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

Ravindra Jadeja defies Gautam Gambhir’s order in Guwahati Test

Jadeja was the leading run scorer in the second innings with a stunning knock of 54 runs off 87 balls, laced with four boundaries and two sixes. The Indian all-rounder could score those runs because he played his natural game despite Gambhir ordering him to play only defensive cricket.

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As reported by CricBlogger, Gautam Gambhir instructed the Indian players to grind and go completely defensive instead of letting the batters play freely, despite the hosts having already slipped away the chance to either draw or win the final Test against the Proteas side in Guwahati.

Following the Indian head coach’s order, only Jadeja showed some intent and played a few shots, but everyone else stayed on the front foot and avoided any attacking strokes. As a result, the entire innings looked flat, slow, and desperate, leaving everyone confused and frustrated.

Indian players left confused over the Guwahati pitch

However, the confusion had actually begun even before the Guwahati Test match started. There was uncertainty about the nature of the pitch. After South Africa scored 489 runs in the first innings, Indian bowlers said the pitch was flat and offered nothing.

But once India collapsed in their own first innings for just 201 runs, the explanation changed again, leaving many wondering what the pitch was actually doing.

Adding to the mystery, Kuldeep Yadav played a steady and responsible knock of 19 runs off 134 balls that made everyone question how difficult the surface really was at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The Indian wrist-spinner’s resistance made some players think the batting failures were more about poor application than pitch conditions.

Inside the dressing room, the mood was already frustrated. Some players believe Gambhir is giving full support to only a select group, which has made others feel ignored and insecure.

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Rift deepens in the Indian camp as players feel ignored under Gautam Gambhir's leadership

This sense of favouritism has created a divide in the team. According to insiders, many players are unhappy and feel they are not getting a fair chance. To make things worse, Gambhir did not stay with the team after the heavy loss in the final Test against South Africa.

The Indian head coach immediately flew back home after the massive loss and will join the squad again only before the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa starts. His sudden departure has raised eyebrows at a time when the team needed unity the most.

Additionally, Gambhir is also running the team like a non-playing captain inside the dressing room. He is selecting the playing XI, telling curators what kind of pitch to prepare, guiding players on batting and bowling, setting field placements, and even deciding bowling changes.