New Delhi: India’s hopes of levelling the Test series against South Africa suffered a major blow on Day 3 in Guwahati, triggering widespread frustration among fans and prompting a social-media storm calling for changes in team leadership. With the visitors posting a formidable 489 in their first innings, India crumbled under pressure and slipped to 119 for 6, placing themselves on the verge of another damaging sweep at home under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
With regular captain Shubman Gill unavailable due to injury, Rishabh Pant stepped in to lead the side. However, the stand-in skipper’s dismissal turned into one of the biggest talking points of the day. Pant charged down the track to Marco Jansen and edged a routine delivery to the wicketkeeper, an approach that baffled viewers given the match situation and further intensified criticism of India’s decision-making.
India began the day at 6 without loss, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul aiming to build a foundation. The pair batted steadily and added 65 off 129 balls, appearing set to guide India through the first hour. But progress quickly unravelled. Keshav Maharaj broke the stand by removing Rahul for a patient 22, and the pressure mounted when Simon Harmer dismissed Jaiswal for 58 after extra bounce forced an edge to backward point.
Sai Sudharsan followed soon after, struggling to settle against spin before holing out at midwicket. India tumbled from 95 for 1 to 102 for 4 in just 19 deliveries as Dhruv Jurel fell for an 11-ball duck, mistiming a pull off Jansen.
The second session brought no relief. Pant and Ravindra Jadeja attempted to stabilise the innings but departed for 7 and 6, deepening India’s troubles and leaving the lower order exposed.
The dramatic collapse sparked a wave of criticism online, with “Sack Gambhir” becoming a top trend as fans questioned both tactical choices and the team’s intent. With South Africa firmly in control, India now face a steep challenge to avoid another home series defeat.
