South Africa ended their 18-year wait for a Test win in Pakistan after winning the second game of the two-match Test series at Rawalpindi to end the series level at 1-1. 

Leading the Test series by 1-0 after winning the series opener by 93 runs at Lahore, Pakistan chose to bat first at Rawalpindi. While they scored 333 runs in the first innings, South Africa were once struggling at 235/8, but the lower-order batters' brilliant batting helped the visitors to score 404 runs.

On the fourth day of the Test match, while Pakistan started at 94/4, South Africa bundled them out for only 138 runs, as the visitors needed only 68 runs in the fourth innings to win the game. South Africa lost only two late wickets to secure a comfortable win by eight wickets.

See Also: Older players create history during PAK vs SA 2nd Test: Know about record

South Africa recorded third Test win in Pakistan

It was South Africa's third Test win in Pakistan. After their first Test win at Faisalabad in 1997, the Proteas recorded their second Test victory in Pakistan at Karachi in 2007. Now, they won the third Test in Pakistan after recording one draw and three straight losses since their previous Test win in Karachi. It was the 18-year wait for South Africa to win a Test match in Pakistan.

Last time, South Africa beat Pakistan in Asia in the 2013 Dubai Test, where the Proteas won by an innings and 92 runs. After that Dubai Test victory, the Proteas suffered three straight Test defeats in Pakistan before winning the latest one at Rawalpindi.

South Africa won three out of last four Tests in Asia

After 14 winless Tests in Asia for a decade (four draws and 10 losses), South Africa have recorded three wins in their last four Tests in Asia. In October 2024, South Africa won two Tests in Bangladesh, and in the ongoing month, they first suffered the Lahore Test defeat before winning the Rawalpindi Test to level the series. 

South Africa will play their next Test series against the hosts India in upcoming November, which will also be a part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. 

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed disappointment over Sarfaraz Khan being left out of India’s Test squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa. The right-handed batter, who has been performing consistently in domestic cricket and has worked on his fitness, was surprisingly omitted when the squad was announced.

Speaking on his show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin said, “I cannot find an answer to Sarfaraz Khan’s non-selection. I am very sad and sorry for him. He has reduced his weight, has scored runs. I really feel sorry for him. This sort of non-selection leads him to think that he has been seen enough and is not wanted. Where will he perform? The doors have been shut.”

The spin legend also highlighted broader concerns regarding India’s selection policy. He pointed out how Sai Sudharsan, who has had a stellar IPL season, was picked ahead of Abhimanyu Easwaran, despite Easwaran’s strong performances in first-class cricket. Susharsan scored 759 runs in IPL 2025 and has already played five Tests, whereas Easwaran has amassed 8,025 runs with 27 hundreds in 106 first-class matches, yet is still waiting for his Test debut.

Ashwin highlights IPL vs domestic dilemma, advises Easwaran to use T20s for India call-up

“IPL has a lot of advantages and disadvantages. See the case of Sai Sudharsan. A fabulous player, but how did he leapfrog Abhimanyu Easwaran? Performance in a tournament for 2-3 months has overshadowed the performance Easwaran has put in over the first-class season. Rewarding domestic performers is always up to the selectors. This is happening only because that player has done well in the IPL,” Ashwin said.

ALSO SEE: Zimbabwe end 12-year home test drought with innings win against Afghanistan

Building on this, Ashwin advised Easwaran to consider T20 cricket as a route to India selection. “If I was Easwaran, I would tell him to somehow find a way to play the T20 format and score 400 runs in an IPL season so that he can also come in. It is a sad state. Some stalwarts of red-ball cricket do not get enough recognition,” he added.

Easwaran, a right-handed batter, has played 34 T20s, scoring 976 runs at an average of 37.53 with a strike rate of 128.59, including one century and five half-centuries. However, he last featured in T20 cricket in 2023 and has not played in the IPL since then, focusing mainly on List-A and first-class formats.

Ashwin’s comments have sparked debate over balancing domestic cricket performance with IPL success when selecting players for India’s red-ball squad.

India moved closer to a clean sweep after reaching 63/1 on Day 4 of the second Test against West Indies, needing only 58 more runs to win. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 25, while Sai Sudharsan looked composed with 30 runs off 47 deliveries, striking five boundaries. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a magnificent 175 in the first innings, was dismissed early for eight as India chased a modest 121-run target.

Although the umpires had the option to extend play by 30 minutes, India’s strong position meant it wasn’t necessary. The hosts appeared in full control, showcasing disciplined batting and confidence throughout their short second-innings effort.

Earlier, West Indies put up a gritty fight in their second innings. Shai Hope ended his eight-year wait for a Test hundred, while John Campbell registered his maiden century. A resilient 79-run partnership for the final wicket between Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales forced the match into the final day.

See Also: [WATCH] Girl playfully slaps and holds boy at India vs West Indies Test; fans curious online

When did a Test match in India last reach the fifth day?

Five-day Test matches have become increasingly uncommon in India, where home conditions often produce results within four days. The last Test in India to stretch into the fifth day was the series opener against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2024.

That match began with rain washing out the first day, and India collapsing for just 46 runs in their first innings. New Zealand replied strongly, posting 402, led by Rachin Ravindra’s outstanding 134 off 157 balls. His remarkable effort helped the visitors secure an eight-wicket victory, earning him the Player of the Match award for his brilliant all-round performance.

West Indies’s Fighting Comeback in 2nd Innings:

West Indies managed 248 runs in their first innings in response to India’s commanding 518/5 declared, conceding a 270-run lead. Determined to fight back, they showed much-improved resistance in their second innings, led by openers John Campbell and Shai Hope.

In the morning session, Campbell, whose previous best was 68 against New Zealand in 2020, batted fluently alongside Hope as the pair stitched together a 177-run stand. Their partnership narrowed India’s lead to just 18 by lunch. However, Campbell was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja before the break, and Mohammed Siraj dismissed Hope for a well-made 103 soon after, triggering a middle-order collapse. Kuldeep Yadav then tore through the lower order, removing Tevin Imlach, Roston Chase, and Khary Pierre in quick succession.

By tea, West Indies had reached 361/9 after a 30-minute extension. Justin Greaves (50) and Jayden Seales (32) offered late resistance, but Jasprit Bumrah (3/44) ended the innings, wrapping up another fine bowling performance for India.

This marked just the fourth occasion since 1961 that India were required to bat again in a Test match after enforcing the follow-on, highlighting the resilience shown by the West Indies in their second innings despite trailing heavily.

The fourth day of the second Test between India and the West Indies at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi began with the visitors showing strong resistance. In the first two sessions, West Indies frustrated the Indian bowlers with disciplined batting, making it difficult for the hosts to gain an upper hand. 

John Campbell and Shai Hope both scored centuries, though they were dismissed shortly after reaching the milestones, denying their team a more commanding position. Despite the setbacks, the tail-end batsmen continued the fight. Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales put together a resilient partnership for the 10th wicket, adding valuable runs and demonstrating determination after the follow-on. 

Their effort helped West Indies stabilize the innings, keeping the match competitive and exciting for spectators. While the on-field cricket drew attention for its intensity, the spotlight also shifted online to an unusual off-field moment. A girl and a boy caught the public’s attention during the match, and the incident quickly became a trending topic on social media, sparking widespread discussion.

See Also: ‘Tumhare bina nahi jeet paayenge…’- Rohit Sharma signals 2027 World Cup goals ahead of Australia ODIs

An Unusual Incident Caught Attention During Ind-WI 2nd Test:

The unusual moment was broadcast live when West Indies were 293/4, with Roston Chase and Tevin Imlach at the crease. During Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling, the cameras focused on a girl in the stands playfully slapping a boy repeatedly, creating a light-hearted distraction that quickly caught viewers’ attention during the intense Test match.

The playful moment escalated when the girl lightly grabbed the boy’s neck, and both burst into laughter, drawing the cameras’ attention. Viewers got an up-close glimpse of the duo, turning an ordinary stadium moment into an amusing highlight of the match.

Bruhhh ......😄😂

What he might have said ? #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/73rIxdPAbw

— chakr (@chkrdhr_) October 13, 2025

Once clips and photos surfaced online, curiosity about the girl’s identity surged. Many social media users asked platforms like Grok for details, eager to know more about her. However, no clear answers emerged, as the platform couldn’t confirm her identity, leaving fans intrigued but without any concrete information about the young spectator involved in the viral incident.

West Indies Give India a Modest Chase of 121:

India won the toss in the Delhi Test and piled up 518/5 in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Earlier, West Indies were dismissed for 248, prompting India to enforce the follow-on. Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, claiming five crucial wickets to lead India’s bowling attack and put the visitors under pressure.

In the second innings of the Delhi Test, West Indies posted 390 runs, setting India a target of 121 to win the match. John Campbell led the way with a brilliant 115, while Shai Hope contributed a solid 103. For India, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were the standout bowlers, claiming three wickets each to keep the visitors in check.

Chasing a modest total, India needed just 58 runs to secure a series sweep. KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan approached the innings with patience and composure, while Yashasvi Jaiswal was the only early wicket to fall, ensuring a smooth and confident run chase.

West Indies pacer Jayden Seales has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and fined 25 percent of his match fees after being found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. The incident occurred on the opening day of the second Test between India and the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The 24-year-old was found guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an international match.”

In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Seales’ disciplinary record, taking his total tally to two within a two-year period. He had previously received a demerit point during a Test match against Bangladesh in December 2024. The incident took place when Seales fielded the ball off his follow-through in the 29th over and hurled it toward Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, hitting him on the pads.

Following the incident, Seales contested the decision and requested a formal hearing. He argued that his intent was to attempt a run-out, but match referee Andy Pycroft, after reviewing the footage from multiple angles, ruled that the throw was unnecessary and inappropriate since Jaiswal was well inside his crease. The ICC confirmed that “on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Alex Wharf, and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan levelled the charge” in their official statement.

West Indies Show Resistance Despite Early Setback

A Level 1 breach under the ICC Code of Conduct carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum of 50 percent of a player’s match fee along with one or two demerit points. Despite the controversy, West Indies showed some fight on Day 3 of the Delhi Test after being bundled out for 248 in their first innings. Openers John Campbell and Shai Hope led the resistance after India enforced the follow-on.

See Also: [WATCH] 'Don’t Beat Our Bowlers That Bad' - Brian Lara humbly requests Yashasvi Jaiswal after stellar 173* in 2nd Test vs WI

Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul helped India bowl out the West Indies for 248 after the hosts had piled up 518/5 in their first innings, courtesy of brilliant centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill.

A moment of complete confusion unfolded during the closing stages of the opening session on Day 3 of the second Test between India and the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

As the clock neared the scheduled lunch break, the Indian players began walking off the field, assuming that the session had officially ended. The spectators and commentators, too, believed the first session had wrapped up.

However, to everyone’s surprise, on-field umpire Richard Illingworth signaled that there was still one over left before the break. The players were quickly called back to resume play, leading to an awkward few moments on the field. The unexpected confusion drew light-hearted laughter from the crowd and even among the players, marking a rare instance of miscommunication in the otherwise well-structured Test proceedings.

See Also: [WATCH] IND vs WI 2nd Test: Jaffa from Jasprit Bumrah takes Khary Pierre's off-stump for cartwheel

KL Rahul Sparks Confusion by Removing Bails:

The confusion began after the 71st over of West Indies’ first innings when Indian players mistakenly thought it was lunch and started heading towards the pavilion. Believing the session had ended, they began walking off the field.

Adding to the mix-up, KL Rahul removed the bails, and commentators, including Murali Kartik, began reading the lunch summary. Even umpire Richard Illingworth appeared to walk with the players, signaling the supposed end of the session, before realizing play had not officially stopped.

KL Rahul Took The Bails Off, And When The Umpire Looked At Him, He Was Like “I Didn’t Do Anything 😭pic.twitter.com/KQeajAczv8

— 𝐀•ᴷᴸ ᴿᵃʰᵘˡ ˢᵗᵃⁿ (@123Centurion__) October 12, 2025

However, umpire Richard Illingworth was only moving toward his position at the non-striker’s end, not signaling the lunch break. Realizing the mistake, he quickly called the players back to resume play. Moments later, replays revealed that KL Rahul had cheekily removed the bails, which further fueled the brief confusion on the field.

Jadeja swiftly completed the last over before the lunch interval, with West Indies reaching 217 for eight, still trailing India by 301 runs. At the break, Khary Pierre remained unbeaten on 19, alongside Anderson Phillip, who was also batting on 19, as the visitors looked to extend their innings post-lunch.

India Continues Domination on Day 3:

India continued their dominance in the second session, claiming four wickets in 29 overs. Despite a gritty ninth-wicket stand of 42 runs that slowed their progress, the bowlers maintained control throughout the session.

Kuldeep Yadav once again led the charge, providing an early breakthrough by dismissing Shai Hope for 36 off 57 balls with a sharply turning delivery. In his following over, he removed Tevin Imlach, and soon after trapped Justin Greaves leg-before for 17 to complete a brilliant spell.

Mohammed Siraj then cleaned up Jomel Warrican for just 1, while Washington Sundar got rid of Alick Athanaze for 7, reducing the visitors to a precarious position before the start of the final session of play.

Legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara made a humble request to Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal after the young batter dominated the West Indies bowling attack at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi during the ongoing second Test. Jaiswal, 23, was in sensational form on the opening day, smashing 22 fours to score an unbeaten 173, setting the tone for India’s strong position in the match.

Jaiswal narrowly missed out on a well-deserved double century after being run out on Day 2, adding only two runs to his overnight total. In a video shared by the BCCI, Lara, who is currently in India, met the Indian youngster while he was preparing for an interview. The former West Indies captain congratulated Jaiswal and made a playful request. “Don’t beat our bowlers that bad,” Lara said. Jaiswal replied with a laugh, “No. I am just trying.”

Speaking about his batting approach, Jaiswal explained that he always played according to the situation and the team’s needs. “I always put the team first, how I can play for my team and what is important for my team at that moment in time,” he said in the video.

Jaiswal’s Mindset and West Indies Legends in India

“So I always think that, and that gives me the answer to how I can play, what shots I can play, how the wicket is, and if I’m there, I make sure that I take it as long as I can. So that is all my mindset that if I have a start, I make sure that I should make it big, just like that,” added the Indian opener.

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See Also: WATCH: Rahmat Shah leaves field in wheelchair after calf injury during AFG vs BAN ODI series

Lara, along with fellow West Indies legend Sir Viv Richards, is in India as part of the "Mission India" campaign to support the cash-strapped Cricket West Indies and help revive its structure in Tests. Lara also visited the West Indies dressing room after Day 2, chatting with players, head coach Daren Sammy, and captain Roston Chase for about 20 minutes.

In the second and third sessions on Day 1, Jaiswal added 193 runs for the second wicket with B Sai Sudharsan who made 87 from 165 balls. Jaiswal praised Sudharsan and also highlighted the strong performances of Shubman Gill, who made 129 runs not out, and the value of partnerships for India in a commanding position early in the Test. 

India’s young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal looked in sublime touch during the first innings of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The left-hander had fans on their feet as he dominated the bowlers with his elegant strokeplay and flawless timing.

As his innings progressed, Jaiswal appeared well on course for a monumental double hundred, displaying remarkable patience and maturity beyond his years. However, the dream knock came to an unfortunate end in the opening session of Day 2.

A miscommunication between Jaiswal and skipper Shubman Gill led to a disastrous run-out, cutting short the Mumbai batter’s innings at 175. The crowd, which had gathered in large numbers to witness his brilliance, was left stunned as Jaiswal walked back dejectedly. Despite the heartbreak, his innings stood out as one of the finest of the series.

See Also: 5 renowned Indian batters with fewer Test centuries than Shubman Gill’s 10, featuring Kapil Dev

Yashasvi Jaiswal Talks About his Disastrous Run-Out:

Jaiswal attempted a quick single, but Shubman Gill hesitated while watching the ball, leading to a disastrous run-out. Frustrated by the mix-up, the 23-year-old batter expressed his anger towards Gill before walking back visibly upset. The umpire eventually stepped in, urging Jaiswal to leave the field and regain his composure after the unfortunate dismissal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s reaction said it all.💔#YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/AFjEht6UII

— Harshit Rana (@RarshitHana) October 11, 2025

After the end of Day 2, with India firmly in command, Jaiswal was questioned about his unfortunate run-out. The young opener calmly downplayed the episode, stating that such moments are a natural part of the game and that mistakes like these can happen to anyone on the field, showing maturity beyond his years. He said, “ It's a part of the game. So it's fine.”

Regarding the run-out, Jaiswal insisted to Gill that it was “his call” and that the captain should have run. Yet, Gill never looked interested in taking the single, making it clear the dismissal resulted from complete miscommunication between the two players.

Jaiswal shared that he always aims to bat for extended periods. His 175 against the Windies marked the fifth occasion he crossed 150 in Tests. Had he reached a double century, it would have been his third in the longest format of the game.

He said, “ I always try to play as long as I can. I just think that if I am out there and take it forward, I can play as long as I can. Early on, there was movement. I was thinking if I bat for one hour and then after that, it will be easy for me to score runs.”

He further said, “ There is always this thought of what I can achieve and what can be my goal and the team's goals. But it is important to stay in the present. It is just about ensuring that I take it long if I am in.”

In the ongoing second Test, India declared their first innings at 518/5, powered by centuries from Jaiswal and Gill. By stumps, West Indies reached 140/4, still 378 runs behind. Ravindra Jadeja claimed three of the wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav picked up the remaining one, keeping India firmly in control of the match.

Team India skipper Shubman Gill once again led from the front during the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, October 11. On Day 2, the right-handed batter crafted an unbeaten 129 off 196 deliveries, featuring 16 boundaries and two sixes, helping India declare their first innings at 518/5. This marked Gill’s 10th Test century, his first against the Windies, and his fifth on home soil.

The 26-year-old has been in sensational form with the bat, carrying forward his overseas momentum from the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he scored 754 runs in 10 innings, including a double hundred and three centuries. His consistency at the No. 4 position has made him indispensable for India in the middle order.

With five Test centuries in a single calendar year as captain, Gill has equalled former India captain Virat Kohli’s record, further cementing his status as one of the premier batters in the world and a leader who leads by example.

See Also: BCCI seeks ICC action against Mohsin Naqvi, pushes for removal from board

Five iconic Indian batters with fewer Test centuries than Shubman Gill:

This article highlights five well-known former Indian batters who have fewer Test centuries than Shubman Gill. The list includes current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, ex-captain MS Dhoni, and Navjot Singh Sidhu, showcasing how Gill’s consistency has placed him ahead of some iconic names in Indian cricket history.

• Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, the iconic World Cup-winning captain, remains one of India’s finest Test all-rounders. Representing the national side from 1979 to 1993, he scored 5,248 runs in 131 Tests, registering eight centuries. His maiden Test hundred came against a strong West Indies side on their home turf in 1979.

Over his career, Kapil also recorded memorable centuries in England and South Africa. Much like MS Dhoni, he often batted lower down the order, limiting his chances to build big scores. Despite this, he contributed significantly, scoring 2,861 runs and five tons at No. 7 and 1,777 runs with two centuries at No. 8, showcasing his ability to rescue India from tough situations.

• MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, India’s former captain, is best remembered for his white-ball brilliance but also had a notable Test career, featuring in 90 matches. He registered his maiden Test century with a brilliant 148 against Pakistan in 2006, followed by two more tons in 2009 and one each in 2010 and 2011. His highest Test score came in 2013 — a commanding 224 against Australia at home.

Dhoni announced his unexpected retirement from Tests during the 2014–15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He finished with 4,876 runs, including six centuries. Often batting at No. 7 alongside tail-enders, Dhoni had limited opportunities to play long innings, yet his resilience and counterattacking ability made him one of India’s most dependable lower-order batters.

• Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir emerged as one of India’s most promising openers after making his Test debut in 2004. He scored his maiden Test hundred against Bangladesh in just his fifth match. Though his next century came four years later, Gambhir roared back in 2008 with three centuries and over 1,000 runs in the calendar year, reaffirming his class at the top.

In 2009, the Delhi batter maintained his form, amassing 727 runs, including four centuries. However, after his 116 against Bangladesh in 2010, he struggled to convert starts into hundreds and went century-less until his final Test in 2016. Across 54 matches, Gambhir accumulated 4,154 runs at an average of 41.95, with nine centuries to his name.

• Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan made an unforgettable entry into Test cricket, smashing 187 runs on debut against Australia. Known for his attacking style, the left-hander often turned his starts into big scores, producing memorable knocks like 173 against Bangladesh and 190 versus Sri Lanka. His fearless approach and ability to dominate bowlers made him a delight to watch in the longer format.

However, Dhawan’s inconsistency kept him from cementing a regular spot in the Test lineup. His final Test century came against Afghanistan in 2018. Despite limited opportunities, the Delhi batter featured in 34 matches, accumulating 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, including seven centuries—cementing his reputation as one of India’s most dynamic openers.

• Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu, now a well-known commentator, enjoyed a long and eventful Test career for India between 1983 and 1999. Much like Gautam Gambhir, the flamboyant opener registered nine Test centuries. It took him five years to notch up his maiden ton, scoring 116 against New Zealand, before marking his first overseas century against the West Indies in 1989.

After enduring a few quiet years, Sidhu returned strongly with twin centuries in both 1993 and 1994. His standout year came in 1997 when he piled up 720 runs, including three centuries. Across 51 Tests, the Punjab batter accumulated 3,202 runs at an impressive average of 42.13, with his highest score being 201 in the West Indies.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently reflected on the shocking 0-3 Test series defeat to New Zealand at home in late 2024. The result stunned fans, as it marked India’s first home series loss in over a decade.

The Rohit Sharma-led side, known for their dominance in home conditions, struggled to find rhythm throughout the series. Despite strong individual performances, India couldn’t capitalize on key moments, allowing the Blackcaps to script history on Indian soil.

For Gambhir, the setback came early in his tenure as head coach. It was only his second Test assignment after replacing Rahul Dravid. With India entering the series as firm favorites—having just swept Bangladesh 2-0 and facing a New Zealand side missing Kane Williamson—the defeat served as a wake-up call for the team.

See Also: "Love you Shubman..."- Female fan's proposal for Indian captain during IND vs WI 2nd Test goes viral

Gautam Gambhir on India’s Humiliation Home Test Defeat Against New Zealand:

India endured a nightmare start to the series, collapsing for just 46 runs in the first innings of the opening Test in Bengaluru. Though the team showed some resistance later, they eventually found themselves trailing 0-1 in the series.

Hopes of a comeback faded quickly in the second Test at Pune, where India’s batting once again faltered, sealing the series defeat with one match remaining. A narrow loss in the final Test at the Wankhede completed a shocking whitewash, putting India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign in serious trouble and leaving fans and experts questioning the team’s approach.

Gautam Gambhir admitted that the 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand still lingers in his mind and is not easy to forget. He said the defeat serves as a constant reminder to stay vigilant and learn from past mistakes, ensuring that such setbacks don’t repeat in future series under his leadership.

He said, “ If I am being honest, and speak from the heart, I don't think, that in my coaching tenure, I can ever forget that, and I should not forget that. I have told this to the boys as well, it is important to look forward, but sometimes it is also important to remember the past as well. Everyone thought that we would roll over New Zealand. In that dressing room, we need to keep reminding that New Zealand happened.”

Gautam Gambhir said, “the home Test series defeat against New Zealand still hurts”. pic.twitter.com/taK9rdAjVW

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 11, 2025

Team India missed out on a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final after back-to-back series defeats — a 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand and a 1-3 loss in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. These setbacks ultimately ended their campaign and dashed their hopes of reaching the WTC summit clash.

Gautam Gambhir on Handling Pressure as India Head Coach:

Despite a challenging start to his red-ball coaching tenure, Gautam Gambhir guided Team India to remarkable success in white-ball cricket. Under his leadership, India broke their long title drought by clinching the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and then carried that winning momentum forward.

Gambhir’s approach and consistency paid off once again as India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy. With two back-to-back ICC titles, the team now aims to make history by becoming the first side ever to win three consecutive ICC tournaments, as preparations begin for the highly anticipated home T20 World Cup in 2026.

He further said, “ The pressure is on me every day. Whether it be after the New Zealand debacle, whether it be after Australia or after winning the Champions Trophy. Ultimately, we are representing 140 crore Indians.”

Gautam Gambhir added another milestone to his coaching journey by guiding India to an unbeaten run in the 2025 Asia Cup held in the UAE. Under his leadership, the Men in Blue displayed consistency and dominance throughout the tournament, ultimately lifting the trophy and extending their remarkable streak in white-ball cricket.