Washington Sundar’s dismissal off Simon Harmer leaves Gautam Gambhir frozen in shock in Guwahati

South Africa off-spinner Simon Harmer removed Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar during the third day of the second and final Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was visibly disappointed following the recognized batter's dismissal in the first innings.

On Monday, November 24, the Men in Blue lost seven wickets for 122 runs in response to South Africa's 489. However, Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav showed resistance with the bat against the South African bowling attack. The batting duo added 72 runs off 208 balls for the eighth wicket before Sundar’s dismissal.

Gautam Gambhir Frozen in Shock After Washington Sundar’s Dismissal

Washington Sundar’s knock came to an end when Simon Harmer found an outside edge. Harmer delivered a slower ball outside off, and Sundar pushed with an open face. Aiden Markram made no mistake at first slip, ending an important innings of 48 from 92 balls.

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The partnership had frustrated South Africa for a long period. Harmer was visibly pumped after the breakthrough, especially with the second new ball approaching. Sundar, who had looked composed until that moment, paid the price for a single error in judgment.

Following the dismissal, Gautam Gambhir was frozen in shock, which grabbed the attention of the cricketing community. Sundar has scored only 22 runs off 68 balls against Harmer and has fallen to him twice.

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‘Sack Gambhir’ Trends as South Africa Leave India in Turmoil

India’s struggles in the ongoing Test series sparked a strong reaction online, with the hashtag #SackGambhir gaining momentum as fans voiced their frustration with Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach. Many felt the team’s approach and decision-making had repeatedly let them down.

A setback in Guwahati would only add to India’s poor run in red-ball cricket since Gambhir took charge. Before this series, India had already lost Test series to New Zealand and Australia and managed only a draw against England.

Notably, India suffered a 0-3 loss against New Zealand last year. It was India’s first Test series defeat at home since 2012-13. They are now on the verge of another home series loss. The Proteas last won a Test series in India in 1999-2000, when they clinched it 2-0.

India Bowled Out for 201 Runs in First Innings is Guwahati

India began the day at 9/0, and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 from 97 balls) looked the most settled of the batters. KL Rahul also got a start but was removed for 22 by Keshav Maharaj. The rest of the top order struggled.

Sai Sudharsan, who returned to the XI, scored only 15 runs, while Dhruv Jurel (0) and Rishabh Pant (7) perished after poor shots. Ravindra Jadeja, who has been in great form, managed only 6.

Washington Sundar, batting at No. 8 after beginning the series at No. 3, scored 48, while Kuldeep Yadav, who made 19 off 134 balls, helped India recover from 122/7 to a total of 201.

Marco Jansen ran through India’s middle and lower order. He picked up the wickets of Jurel, Pant, Reddy, Jadeja, Kuldeep and Jasprit Bumrah. Simon Harmer took 3 wickets for 64 runs, while Maharaj chipped in with one wicket.

Also read: Ruturaj Gaikwad removed from India's Playing XI vs South Africa