Fans vent anger on Gambhir as India stumble at home; Kohli’s reaction steals spotlight

Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as Team India’s head coach is facing its sternest test yet. After another disappointing home series defeat, frustration among fans spilled out into the open, making for an uncomfortable and telling moment at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Despite Virat Kohli’s masterclass with the bat, the hosts fell short, marking only the fifth time an overseas team has won an ODI series on Indian soil.

The defeat added to the growing pressure on head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been unable to arrest India’s slide in home conditions.

‘Gambhir Haaye Haaye’ Chants Shock Players

What followed after the match stunned everyone. During the post-match presentation ceremony, a viral video surfaced on social media showing fans allegedly chanting “Gambhir haaye haaye” from a section of the crowd. The chants appeared to catch several Indian players off guard.

Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ravindra Jadeja, and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak were seen visibly surprised as the slogans echoed around the stadium, with Kohli’s reaction quickly going viral online.

Virat Kohli meanwhile said in the video: "Are you guys mad"

Fans, Selectors, and Leadership Under Fire

Anger wasn’t limited to the stands. On social media, fans questioned Gambhir’s handling of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while captain Shubman Gill’s ODI record was compared with Sanju Samson’s domestic performances. Selectors, too, faced criticism for backing Gill over Samson.

Troubling Signs Ahead of Big Tournaments

New Zealand’s first ODI series win in India in 37 years, combined with their 3-0 Test whitewash last year, underlines India’s growing concerns. With the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled in India from February 7 to March 8, all eyes will now be on Gambhir and how he steadies a team clearly under pressure.