India is facing a nightmare scenario in the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Chasing a massive first-innings total of 489, the Indian team collapsed dramatically on Day 3, losing seven wickets for just 122 runs. With Shubman Gill absent, stand-in captain Rishabh Pant led the side, but even he fell cheaply, highlighting India’s fragile batting under pressure. Fans and analysts alike were shocked at India’s approach and execution in the match.
Captain Pant Falls After Reckless Shot
The morning session began with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Lokesh Rahul determined to stabilize India’s innings. The opening pair added 65 runs off 129 balls and looked steady before Marco Jansen struck in the 22nd over, dismissing Rahul for 22. Soon after, Jaiswal fell for 58, caught at backward point off a slightly extra-bouncy delivery.
Dhruv Jurel’s 11-ball duck further deepened India’s woes, followed by rash dismissals from Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant himself. Pant charged at Jansen, only to edge the ball to the wicketkeeper, continuing a pattern of reckless shots reminiscent of T20 cricket in Tests. The collapse from 95/1 to 122/7 stunned fans and put India firmly on the back foot.
Fans Criticize Gambhir, Pant as ‘Sack Gambhir’ Trends
Social media erupted following India’s collapse. Fans questioned the tactics and mindset of the team, particularly criticizing head coach Gautam Gambhir and stand-in captain Rishabh Pant. The hashtag #SackGambhir started trending as followers expressed frustration over India’s repeated batting failures in home conditions.
Gambhir vs India :-
-Lost home Test match against SA for the first time in last 15 years.
-Lost BGT- “Senior players should retire”
-Lost home series vs NZ- “Allowed in 12 years”
-Lost home series vs SA#sackgambhir pic.twitter.com/8kvgQnIIzE— ‘ (@Depressssd0) November 24, 2025
I’m a big fan of gambhir but enough is enough please sack the entire coaching and selection committee right now!#IndianCricket #INDVSSA
— Alpha (@shiv_tiwari_95) November 24, 2025
There are just three proper batsmen in this team – I meant 3 players who are selected for their batting. The rest are neither here nor there. And what’s the point in sending Sundar at 7? The only player who showed some resolve in the 1st Test. #SackGambhir
— Rajesh Abraham (@pendown) November 24, 2025
Sack Gambhir
This guy because of his egos keeps his people in the team,playing around with batting positions..No Coaching abilities at all..Shame on him for bringing down the Indian team from test toppers to wherever they are..
— vijish varma (@vijishvarma) November 24, 2025
Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav Offer a Ray of Hope
Amid the chaos, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav are currently batting together and have stitched a crucial 50-run partnership, taking India to 174/7 at lunch. This partnership is the last realistic chance for India to avoid an innings defeat or another heavy loss, which would mean back-to-back series sweeps at home after New Zealand and now South Africa.
India’s Position Remains Precarious
With just three wickets in hand and South Africa firmly in control, India faces an uphill battle. Unless Sundar and Kuldeep play a miracle innings, India is staring at one of its worst collapses in recent history. The focus now is on how the tail can hold together against a disciplined South African bowling attack and prevent a complete humiliation in front of the home crowd.
