India head coach Gautam Gambhir was at his motivational best as he addressed the players ahead of the start of Day 4 in the second Test against South Africa at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, repeatedly gesturing with his finger to drive home his points. With the visitors already 1-0 up in the series, they are firm favourites to clinch a 2-0 series win and for India, even managing to draw the game would now be seen as a remarkable result.
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Gambhir took center of the huddle on Tuesday, trying to lift the team with his animated talk. At that very moment, broadcasters played a clip from one of Gambhir’s previous press conferences when he said the Indian team should be prepared to score 400 runs in a day or even bat for two days if need be just to save a Test match.
Legendary former India cricketer Anil Kumble, part of the commentary team, mentioned that it was about time words were translated into action on the field for Gambhir and his team, more so when up against the defending World Test Champions, as chances to show true character don’t come that often.
“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 to back it up with performance as well,” said Kumble.
