India head coach Gautam Gambhir was not happy with the questions he faced from the media in the aftermath of the 408-run win by South Africa over India in the second Test in Guwahati on November 26, 2025. With this win, South Africa defeated India 0-2 in the two-Test series, whitewashing them.

Two visiting teams have not only effectively pierced India's stronghold in just over a year, but they have done so with contempt.

With a 3-0 whitewash last year, New Zealand ended India's flawless 12-year record of never losing a Test series at home, and now South Africa takes pride in the same accomplishment.

Current head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has denied any parallels between the two performances, is responsible for the two series losses. Gambhir feels that the team that lost to New Zealand was vastly experienced as compared to the present bunch.

“First of all, the series against New Zealand—we had a very different side. And this is a very different side. I’m sure you (media) guys cover a lot of cricket, and I’m sure when you see this batting line-up compared to that batting line-up, the experience that that team had versus what this team has is chalk and cheese,” Gambhir told the media in a post-game press conference.

He added that, comparing this defeat to the one against New Zealand, the media is pushing a wrong narrative. He pointed out how several big stars, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with R. Ashwin, retired after the Australia Test tour.

“So, comparing everything to New Zealand is probably a wrong narrative. You’ve got four or five players—I don’t give excuses; I’ve never done that in the past, and I will never do it in the future as well—but if you see, four or five batters in this top eight have literally played less than 15 Test matches," he added.

Gambhir defended his players, stating that they will develop the ability to withstand pressure over time.

“They will grow. They’re learning on the job. They’re learning on the field. Test cricket is never easy when you’re playing against a top-quality side. So, you’ve got to give them time. They need time to absorb pressure and keep getting better against quality attacks and quality sides. I hate using this word—transition—, but this is exactly what transition is. When your batting lineup has played less than 15–20 Test matches, they need time," Gambhir added.

India will not play a Test till August next year, and instead, the focus will be on ODIs and T20Is against South Africa and New Zealand at home, and then the T20 World Cup 2026.

(PTI inputs)