Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir was mocked by fans ahead of the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Gambhir is facing flak for his role in the team’s 0-2 defeat against the Proteas. He was criticised for India’s Playing XI, and some former players urged the BCCI to remove Gautam from coaching in red-ball cricket.

During the practice session, a fan told the coach to leave. “3-0 vs New Zealand. South Africa kai saamne 1-0 (2-0). Leave the coaching. You can’t beat South Africa at home. Forget about the 2027 World Cup,” he said.

Earlier, KL Rahul, who will lead India in Shubman Gill’s absence, spoke to the media. “The Playing XI is not finalised, but my batting slot will remain the same. I have been playing at No.6 since the Champions Trophy. I will bat there, and then there are all-rounders (Ravindra) Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy. We will see what the best XI is going to be. You will find out tomorrow,” he said.

Rahul has amassed 243 runs at No.6 in 10 innings, with a highest score of an unbeaten 40 and an average of 40.50. When stand-in captain Rahul was asked bout the pitch in Ranchi, he mentioned the team had not looked at the track closely.

“I haven’t seen the track, but we are expecting good wickets and good runs in the ODIs. The dew might impact the game in the second innings. We assessed a few things yesterday, and we will try to come up with tactics that give us a chance to win,” he added.