“He is having a go at the players” - Former captain’s huge statement on Gautam Gambhir after IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers made a huge statement on Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir after the first Test in Kolkata. The Proteas beat India by 30 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

South Africa were bowled out for 159 in the first innings. However, they managed to restrict India to 189. The visitors then got to 153 and set the hosts a target of 124 runs. In reply, India were bundled out for 93 with the game finishing in just two and a half days.

Following the defeat, Gautam Gambhir stated during the press conference that the wicket was exactly what India had asked for. He added that the batters should have shown better application and technique.

Commenting on his remarks, De Villiers felt that Gautam Gambhir was probably having a go at his players.

"Before I could blink the Test match was over. Exactly the wicket India wanted Gambhir said, very interesting comments there. Maybe he is having a go at the players that this what we prepared, why didn't we perform? Interesting trend developing there over the last three to five years. I thought it was going to be a flat wicket but then things started happening. India never took the opportunity to make that 189 250 plus because then it would have been done and dusted. Small margins," he said on his YouTube channel.

The former cricketer also praised South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma for his crucial unbeaten 55 in the second innings. He was the only batter from both sides to score a half-century in the entire Test.

"It looked game over for South Africa. But Bavuma played the match-winning knock. We saw him going to India early and preparing for this series. Not a lot of players would put their hands up and go a tier down and play for the A team. I am very proud of the way he went over there and prepared. I proved to be crucial. Even a little glitch there would have been a win for India."

The visitors were reduced to 93/7 at the end of day two. However, Bavuma's knock under pressure propelled them to 153 and allowed them to give themselves a chance to win the Test.

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AB de Villiers highlights concerns for Gautam Gambhir's Indian team

AB de Villiers reflected that losing Tests like these at home was alarming for India. Notably, they have lost four out of the six home Tests they have played under Gautam Gambhir so far.

He reflected that the oppositions were more aware and better prepared. Therefore, he urged India to change their mindset and prepare better wickets going forward.

"Some concerns for India. They have lost four games there and that is unheard of. What is happening here? Have they become worst players of spin? I don't think so. The oppositions are more prepared and understanding the conditions, playing spin better as well. We see teams getting more clever," he said.

"Maybe India have to change the makeup of the pitches and not ask for turners. Make it more of a fair Test pitch, and maybe it is time for them to tweak their mindset here. I think teams are going on tour more prepared," he added.

The hosts will be keen to bounce back and level the series. Guwahati will be the venue for the second Test that is set to begin on November 22. Gautam Gambhir will also be under pressure to avoid another series defeat at home in his tenure.