India's disastrous outing in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati has triggered immense criticism towards head coach Gautam Gambhir. As India is at the brink of another home series whitewash, legendary spinner Anil Kumble questioned Gambhir's pre-series comments, insisting that the team must back up words with performance.
South Africa entered the Guwahati Test with a 30-run win in Kolkata. The Temba Bavuma-led team once again outplayed India across all departments in the second Test. India's first innings 201, in reply to South Africa's 489, displayed the home team's woes. To make matters worse, the visitors continued to pile on the lead, crossing 500 by lunch on Day 4.
Before Day 4 began, Gambhir was seen in an animated huddle, pointing fingers, urging his players to fight. At the same moment, broadcasters replayed a clip from last year where Gambhir declared that he wanted India to score 400 in a day and bat two days if needed. It was this very statement that Kumble replied to with an on-air message.