India recently received its biggest test upset yet at the hands of South Africa. The Proteas on Wednesday clinched the second test match to post a win tally of 2-0 in their ongoing Test series against India.
In one for the history books, Temba Bavuma led South Africa handed Rishabh Pant and co. India’s biggest-ever Test defeat by runs. The historic victory marks South Africa’s first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years
Speaking to presenters after Proteas sealed a record-breaking 408-run victory, Temba Bavuma said that whitewashing Team India 2-0 at their home is a massive feat for his side as his side had to come out of the dark days to prove their mettle here today.
“It’s massive. For me personally, I’ve been out of the game for a couple of months with injury. Not every day you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win. What’s special is we had dark days as a group and it’s a credit to them. There’s a big shift in our mindsets in terms of what we want to do,” Temba told reporters after the match.
What did Temba say?
Temba attributed the victory to an all-around performance from the South African team. “We don’t see big 100s but we have got 4-5 guys contributing. Simon has the experience of playing here in India in 2015, he complements Keshav quite well. A bit more guile with the ball, it’s a struggle to take the ball out of their hands. ” Bavuma told sports presenters after the game.
India, who were chasing 549 runs, were folded for just 140 despite Ravindra Jadeja’s fighting 54 on Wednesday. South Africa’s off spin wizard, Simon Harmer, who was the architect of India’s batting collapse on Day 5 was bestowed with the Player of the Series award. Harmer posted a superb figure of 6/37 in the second test.
This defeat marks India’s fifth loss in their last seven home games at home in Test cricket. India suffered its second home whitewash (0-3 vs NZ last year and 0-2 vs SA now) under Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach.
Gautam Gambhir on India’s defeat
After India’s heavy defeat to South Africa, head coach Gautam Gambhir came under heavy fire from netizens online. Responding to the question of who should take responsibility for India’s biggest test defeat, Gambir recently said that everyone in the team should share responsibility for the 0-2 series loss, but the blame starts with him.
“Blame lies with everyone, starts with me,” he said. Gambhir added that the team needs to perform much better, especially after collapsing from a strong position. “We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don’t blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won’t do it going forward,” he added.
When asked whether he should continue as India’s Test coach. Gambhir replied by saying the decision wasn’t his to make. “It is for the BCCI to decide. I have said this before as well, Indian cricket is important, I am not important. I am the same guy who got results in England, won the Champions Trophy, and the Asia Cup. This is a team which is learning,” he concluded.