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India’s struggles in Test cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir continued as South Africa handed them a 0–2 series defeat, completing a turbulent 16-month period for the team. This marks India’s third Test series loss under Gambhir, who has already seen defeats against New Zealand at home (0–3) and away to Australia (1–3).

Gambhir’s Test record now stands at 7 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws from 19 matches, giving him a win percentage of 36.82, second only to Duncan Fletcher, who had 13 wins, 17 losses, and 9 draws in 39 Tests with a win rate of 33.33.

Here’s a recap of India’s recent painful outings:

New Zealand 3-0 India – Home Series

1. Bengaluru – Lost by 8 wickets
India suffered their first home Test defeat to New Zealand in 36 years. The Kiwi pacers bundled India out for just 46 in conditions reminiscent of Christchurch or Wellington, marking India’s first sub-50 total on home soil.

2. Pune – Lost by 113 runs
New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and Glenn Phillips tormented India, taking 13 wickets in the second Test to secure victory.

3. Mumbai – Lost by 25 runs
Despite Rishabh Pant’s 64 off 57 balls, India were bowled out for 121 chasing 147. R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja had earlier restricted New Zealand to 174 in the second innings, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the whitewash.

Australia 3-1 India – Away Series

4. Adelaide – Lost by 10 wickets
After a convincing 295-run win in Perth, India faltered in the second Test. Mitchell Starc (6/48) and Travis Head (140) dominated early, with captain Pat Cummins finishing India off in the second innings.

5. Melbourne – Lost by 184 runs
In the fourth Test, Steve Smith’s 140 helped Australia post a near-500 total. India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy scored a gritty hundred, but the visitors still set India a target of 340. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 84 couldn’t prevent India from being bowled out for 155.

6. Sydney – Lost by 6 wickets
India had a chance to level the series but fell short against Scott Boland (4/31, 6/45). Chasing 162, Australia reached the target despite an early stumble at 58/3.

South Africa 2-0 India – Home Series

7. Kolkata – Lost by 30 runs
Indian batters once again struggled against visiting spinners. Simon Harmer claimed an eight-wicket match haul, while Marco Jansen supported the effort. India were dismissed for 93 on a challenging pitch.

8. Guwahati – Lost by 408 runs
India suffered their heaviest-ever home Test defeat in terms of runs. Pacers Marco Jansen (6/48) and Simon Harmer (6/37) ran through the Indian lineup, with South Africa setting a mammoth target of 549. India were bowled out for just 140, offering no real resistance.

India’s recent results highlight ongoing issues in both batting and bowling, leaving questions about team strategy, selection, and consistency as the country prepares for upcoming challenges in Test cricket.

(By PTI Inputs)