A section of fans reportedly directed chants of “Gautam Gambhir haaye haaye” at the Indian cricket team following the conclusion of the third ODI against New Zealand at Holkar Stadium in Indore, sparking reactions across the ground and online. India lost the match by 41 runs, handing New Zealand a 2-1 series victory, marking the first time the Black Caps won an ODI series in India in 37 years.
The chants appeared aimed at India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been under scrutiny after a string of disappointing results, including the handling of senior players and team strategy. Virat Kohli, who scored 93, 23, and 124 across the three ODIs, along with teammates Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ravindra Jadeja, and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, were visibly surprised by the chants during the post-match presentation ceremony. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, drawing both criticism and debate among cricket fans.
The crowd reaction comes amid mounting pressure on Gambhir and the team management, as fans question the performance of the squad despite repeated assurances of progress. Selectors have also faced criticism, particularly regarding captain Shubman Gill’s inclusion over other domestic performers like Sanju Samson, whose recent performances in the 50-over domestic circuit have drawn comparisons.
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The loss capped a disappointing series for India, who had won the opening match but faltered in the final two games. Combined with New Zealand’s 3-0 Test series whitewash last year, it highlights concerns for the team just over a year ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Analysts suggest that both management and player strategy will need urgent reassessment if India hopes to contend seriously in the upcoming tournament.
Social media amplified the reaction, with fans expressing frustration over Gambhir’s coaching and management decisions. The debate over team selection, player form, and leadership strategy is expected to intensify in the coming months as the Indian cricket board evaluates preparations for the next major international competitions.
The incident in Indore underscores the heightened scrutiny Indian cricket faces at home, particularly when key players perform individually, like Kohli did, but the team fails collectively. Gambhir and the team management are now under renewed pressure to address both performance issues and public perception ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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