Indian captain Shubman Gill has penned an inspirational message on social media, extending a much-needed support to his wounded team. India, in his absence, succumbed to a 408-run defeat in Guwahati on Wednesday. South Africa clinched a historic series win, their first in 25 years on Indian soil, leaving the hosts traumatised.
Yet another series defeat has hurt the team and its fans equally. While the dust is yet to settle, an injured Gill has come up with a strong-worded post, saying that his team will ‘rise stronger’.
“Calm seas don’t teach you how to steer, it’s the storm that forges steady hands. We’ll continue to believe in each other, fight for each other, and move forward – rising stronger,” Gill wrote on X.
Calm seas don’t teach you how
to steer, it’s the storm that forges steady hands. We’ll continue to believe in each other, fight for each other, and move forward – rising stronger. 🇮🇳
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) November 26, 2025
Gill’s exit left a big gap to fill. The Indian skipper picked up a neck injury while batting in the first innings of the Kolkata Test. He was retired hurt and was eventually ruled out of the game, which India lost by 30 runs.
After getting treated by a group of doctors in Kolkata, Gill flew down to Guwahati under the BCCI medical team’s observation. But he ran out of time and was eventually ruled out of the Guwahati Test, handing the responsibilities to his deputy, Rishabh Pant. The latter faltered, and India lost the game by 408 runs.
Gill will likely be out of action for the rest of the year. Although India’s next Test assignment is far away, the rebounding process has to commence before India’s home dominance becomes history.
South Africa’s first Test series win in 25 years packed a solid punch on India’s face. A successful chase of 459 was never on the cards, but the host should have shown character. Just like Jadeja said on Tuesday, a ‘win-win situation’.
But he was the lone warrior on the final day when the wickets were crumbling at the other end. He raised a gritty fifty, but there was no triumphant sword wave this time.
