It has been a difficult week for Indian cricket. After a heavy 408-run defeat to South Africa in Guwahati, fans and players alike have been trying to process a loss that few saw coming. It was South Africa’s first Test series win on the Indian soil in 25 years and the result stung even more because India were without their captain Shubman Gill.
As the team dealt with the disappointment, Shubman Gill, recovering from a painful neck injury, reached out from the sidelines with a message that felt both raw and reassuring. Posting on social media, he reminded everyone that tough times often become the turning points that build stronger teams. In his words, calm waters don’t teach skill, the storm does. He stressed that the team would continue to trust one another, fight together and eventually rise stronger.
Here is what Shubman Gill tweeted, “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.”
https://x.com/ShubmanGill/status/1993703276504916389
Shubman Gill’s absence was felt throughout the match. His injury, picked up while batting in the first innings of the Kolkata Test, forced him to retire hurt and later miss the crucial Guwahati Test altogether. After receiving treatment in Kolkata and travelling under medical supervision, he simply ran out of time to recover. With him sidelined, leadership fell to Rishabh Pant who struggled to hold things together as India collapsed under South Africa’s pressure.
The setback comes at a difficult moment. Shubman Gill is expected to remain out of action for the rest of the year and while India’s next Test series is still some time away, the rebuilding must begin now if the team hopes to maintain its formidable home record.
South Africa’s dominance was a wake-up call. A chase of 459 was always unlikely, but India lacked the resilience they have often shown in tough situations. Ravindra Jadeja fought hard on the final day, scoring a brave half-century, but with wickets falling rapidly around him, even he couldn’t change the story.
Through all this, Shubman Gill’s message offers a reminder that defeats, however painful, also open the door for reflection, unity and renewal. For now, India must gather themselves, learn from the storm and work toward the comeback their captain believes in.
