India head coach Gautam Gambhir animatedly addressed his players before the start of fourth day’s play in the second Test against South Africa at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

Trailing 0-1 in the two-Test series, the Indian team is staring at a second home series defeat within a year under Gambhir’s guidance.

India’s first innings folded for a below-par 201 after South Africa racked up 489/10 on a flat Guwahati pitch. At stumps on Day 3, the Proteas reached 26/0 and stretched their overall lead to 314 runs.

As Rishabh Pant and his men took the field on Tuesday (November 24), they were given a pep talk by Gambhir.

When the head coach was addressing the team, the broadcasters played an old clip from his press conference last year, where Gambhir was heard saying that he would want the Indian team to be prepared to score 400 runs in a day and if needed, also bat for two days to save a Test match.

Legendary spinner Anil Kumble, who is part of the broadcasting team, said that it was time for Gambhir and his wards to back the words with performance on the field.

"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.

While Gautam Gambhir has done exceptionally well with the white-ball team -- evident from Champions Trophy and Asia Cup triumphs – India’s Test performance has nose-dived since he assumed charge.

Gambhir's tenure as India Test coach has seen seven wins and nine losses, including a 0-3 clean sweep in their home series against New Zealand.