South Africa beat India by a staggering 408 runs in the second and final Test at Barsapara Stadium on Wednesday, sealing a 2–0 series whitewash and handing India their heaviest-ever Test defeat on home soil. The reigning world Test champions set India a challenging target of 549 runs after declaring their second innings at 260/5. But India collapsed under pressure, being bundled out for just 140 runs in their final innings. Following India's defeat, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir received a lot of criticism for India's awful performance. Meanwhile, addressing the media, Gambhir highlighted the past achievements under his leadership.
"It is up to the BCCI to decide. I said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach: Indian cricket is important; I am not. And I sit here saying exactly the same thing. And yes, people can keep forgetting that I am the same guy who got results in England as well with a young team. And I am sure you guys will forget very soon," Gambhir said during the press conference.
"A lot of people keep talking about New Zealand, but I am the same guy under whom India won the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup as well. Yes, this is a team which has less experience. I have said this before as well, that they need to keep learning and do everything possible to turn the tide,” he said.
The architect of South Africa’s revenge was spinner Simon Harmer, who delivered a masterclass performance, nabbing six crucial wickets. For South Africa, it marks their first Test series win in India in 25 years.