Gautam Gambhir’s heated confrontation with India stars catches Anil Kumble’s attention: "Words are fine but…"

Head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen in an animated chat with the Indian players ahead of Day 4 (Tuesday, November 25) in the second and final Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Reacting to the clip, former head coach Anil Kumble said that Rishabh Pant’s side needed to give a real fight on the field.

South Africa have been in complete control throughout the two-match series. With the visitors already 1-0 ahead and dominating the ongoing match as well, the home team is likely to suffer another whitewash under Gautam Gambhir. Even a draw would require an extraordinary comeback from the Men in Blue.

Gautam Gambhir Seen in Animated Discussion with Indian Players Ahead of Day 4

Before play began on Tuesday, Gautam Gambhir gathered the team in a tight huddle. Broadcasters played an older press-conference clip where Gambhir had said that India must be ready to score 400 in a day or even bat for two full days if that’s what it takes to save a Test.

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Animated discussions from Gambhir are nothing new. He had intense dressing-room exchanges after India’s loss in Melbourne during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

There is no confirmation that he had harsh words for the batters after they were dismissed for just 201 while South Africa batted for nearly two days. However, the batters are now under pressure to produce a strong second-innings response.

Those Words Are Fine But You Need It Back... - Anil Kumble on Gautam Gambhir

Anil Kumble, who is part of the broadcasting team, said that India should turn Gautam Gambhir’s messages into action on the field. Kumble added that even if India cannot force a win, they must at least show fight and avoid surrendering the contest.

"You just have to back up those words. You are up against the best side in world cricket today who have won the trophy (WTC). Can't have a better chance of showing your character and win. If we don't win at least we fight it out and ensure we don't lose. Yeah, those words are fine but you need it back it up with performance as well," said Kumble.

pic.twitter.com/sXKUjginxz

— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) November 25, 2025

India Bowled Out for 201 Runs in the First Innings

South Africa posted a commanding 489 after winning the toss, with contributions from Senuran Muthusamy (109) and Marco Jansen (93). Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up four wickets for the home team.

In response, India struggled and were dismissed for just 201. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 58, Washington Sundar contributed 48, and Kuldeep Yadav played 134 balls for 19 runs. Jansen dominated with the ball too, taking 6/48, while Simon Harmer bagged three wickets.

The visitors already hold a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after their 30-run win in Kolkata. Notably, it was their first victory in India since 2010. A series win would be historic, as South Africa have not claimed a Test series on Indian soil since 1999-2000.

Temba Bavuma remains unbeaten as Test captain, with 10 wins and a draw from his first 11 matches. He guided his team to the ICC World Test Championship title.

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