KARACHI: India’s Test captain Shubman Gill has responded to the team’s historic 2-0 home series whitewash against South Africa with a cryptic yet motivational social media post on Wednesday.
Gill, who made an impressive start to his captaincy tenure by helping India draw the five-match away Test series against England earlier this year, was unavailable for the South Africa clash due to a neck injury. His absence coincided with India’s heaviest Test defeat by runs, as they were bowled out for just 140 while chasing a daunting 549-run target — losing by 408 runs.
The defeat marked India’s first home series loss to South Africa in 25 years and extended a troubling run in the longest format. India have now surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) to Australia and suffered a 3-0 whitewash in New Zealand last November.
Gill’s Motivational Message After Crushing Defeat
Despite the intense criticism surrounding the team, Gill chose a philosophical route to address the setback. His post suggested that difficult moments shape stronger leaders and teams.
“Calm seas don’t teach you how to steer, it’s the storm that forges steady hands.
We’ll continue to believe in each other, fight for each other, and move forward — rising stronger,”
Gill wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
His comments come at a time when India’s Test side faces heightened scrutiny, with fans and analysts questioning recent decisions and the direction under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Gambhir Responds to Calls for His Removal
Following the humiliation, Gambhir defended his tenure while reiterating that the final decision on his future rests with the BCCI.
“There’s no hindsight in sports. Whatever decisions we took were in the best interest of the team,” Gambhir said after the match.
“It is upon BCCI to decide. Indian cricket is important, I am not important.”
He further reminded critics of his early successes as coach, including strong performances in England and his past achievements of winning the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
