Hardik Pandya and Gautam Gambhir engaged in animated chat after India's defeat in 2nd T20I

After India’s defeat in the second T20I against South Africa, a behind-the-scenes moment between head coach Gautam Gambhir and all-rounder Hardik Pandya stole the spotlight. Pandya and Gambhir were seen having an intense discussion inside the dressing room, sparking speculation on social media.

India suffered a 51-run defeat in the second T20I in Mullanpur on December 11. They will enter the third T20I at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on December 14 with plenty to fix. The team management under Gambhir will focus on correcting mistakes as they continue shaping their plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Hardik Pandya and Gautam Gambhir Engaged in Animated Exchange After 2nd T20I

A video from inside the dressing room quickly went online after India lost the match. Gautam Gambhir was seen talking to Hardik Pandya in a serious discussion.

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There was no audio in the clip, so no one knows what they were actually saying. However, their body language made fans curious, and many people began guessing what might have gone wrong.

Watch the video of the same posted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:

Heated conversation between Hardik and Gambhir 👀pic.twitter.com/VtISwnS2FN

— Amar💫 (@KUNGFU_PANDYA_0) December 12, 2025

Hardik Pandya’s Performances for Team India in the First Two T20Is

Chasing 215, the Indian batters struggled to build rhythm, and the innings looked out of control early. The run rate kept rising, and the middle-order batters failed to counterattack.

Hardik Pandya scored 20 runs from 23 balls at a time when India badly needed him to attack. He could not find boundaries or change gears. In contrast, he had smashed an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls and won Player of the Match in the first match at Cuttack.

The defeat has raised bigger questions about the team’s approach. Many fans have turned their attention to head coach Gautam Gambhir, wondering if the roles, plans, and tempo in the batting order are clear enough for T20 cricket.

India’s T20 Approach Under Scrutiny After Second T20I Loss

India’s loss has raised doubts about their T20 plans. Questions are growing about choices like backing Shubman Gill as opener, sending Axar Patel at No. 3 in a big chase, and asking middle-order batters to play in ways that do not suit their strengths.

Former players have also pointed out that Sanju Samson, who has three T20I hundreds, has been on the bench while Gill opens. Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav want batters to stay flexible, but constant changes have created confusion about the team’s best combination.

The tension intensified after a viral dressing-room clip showed an animated exchange between Gambhir and Hardik Pandya. After a poor batting display in the second T20I, fans and experts are concerned about whether the side has a clear game plan.

With the series tied 1-1, India now need a strong comeback in Dharamsala. Gambhir and his staff must fix the team balance, settle the batting order, and get their plans back on track before the T20 World Cup.

Also read: Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant named in Delhi squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy