Ravi Shastri reflects on Gambhir's first Test series defeat as head coach: 'It's a tough pill to swallow'

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced his solidarity with Gautam Gambhir, following the recent Test series loss of Rohit Sharma and his team to New Zealand. In the second Test held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, the Kiwi team led by Tom Latham emerged victorious over India by 113 runs, securing an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series. Expressing his support for Gambhir, Shastri, who was providing commentary during the match, acknowledged the challenges of coaching a team with a massive fan base, stating that it is a difficult task.

On Day 3 of the second Test, India were asked to chase down a total of 359. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave a glimmer of hope as he played a quickfire 77-run knock, but his dismissal put an end to all hopes, paving the way for a New Zealand win.

As soon as Ravindra Jadeja's wicket fell and New Zealand achieved a famous win, Ravi Shastri said, "New Zealand have beaten them (India) handsomely in both the Test matches. It's food for thought."

"He (Gambhir) has just taken over the job. It's never easy being coach of a team that has such a big following. It's still early days in his career as a coach. But he'll soon learn," he added.

This is the first time in the last 12 years that India have suffered a home Test series loss. This is also New Zealand's first Test series win in India and their first overseas series win ever since the beginning of World Test Championship (WTC) in 2019.

Speaking of the second Test between India and New Zealand, the latter put up 259 in the first innings and then the visitors bundled out Rohit Sharma and co for just 156, gaining a 103-run lead. Spinner Mitchell Santner, who finished as the Player of the Match, was the pick of the bowlers, with a seven-wicket haul in the first innings.

In the second innings, the Kiwis added 255 runs and set India a target of 359 to save the series. The home side started off the chase in a positive manner but could not continue with their aggressive ways as a batting collapse cost them the match.

Santner, once again was the wrecker-in-chief, bagging a six-wicket haul as India were bundled out for 245, losing the match by 113 runs, and the series.

India and New Zealand will now square off in the third and final Test, set to begin on November 1 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.