Gautam Gambhir’s frosty handshake together with his gamers after India’s 51‑run defeat to South Africa within the second T20I at Mullanpur has sparked intense debate about accountability and requirements within the new-look Indian set-up. The pinnacle coach’s visibly stern physique language, captured as he greeted a dejected dressing room, underlined his displeasure with each the tactical execution and particular person errors that derailed India’s chase of 214.
Gautam Gambhir’s intense handshakes with Indian gamers in 2nd T20I
Tv cameras confirmed Gambhir providing agency, unsmiling handshakes to a number of Indian gamers as they walked off after being bowled out for 162, with the clip rapidly circulating throughout social media platforms. The depth in his expression, coupled with minimal dialog, was interpreted by many followers as a silent however sharp message that such an error‑ridden efficiency wouldn’t be brushed apart as simply one other unhealthy day.
The incident got here on the again of a chaotic eleventh over from Arshdeep Singh, who despatched down a report seven wides and wanted 13 balls to finish the over, gifting South Africa essential momentum within the center section. Gambhir’s animated response within the dugout throughout that spell – shaking his head in frustration because the over unravelled – had already gone viral, and the put up‑match handshake solely strengthened hypothesis a few powerful appraisal behind closed doorways.
Right here’s the video:
After right now’s loss, Gautam Gambhir was trying offended through the handshake with Indian gamers like Jitesh Sharma and Arshdeep Singh.
Have a look at the angle of this man; quite than boosting the arrogance of gamers, he was taking a look at them angrily 💔 pic.twitter.com/0nJTTZ8qfQ
— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) December 11, 2025
Additionally READ: South Africa veteran Dale Steyn points out Gautam Gambhir’s big mistake in India’s defeat at Mullanpur
Batting collapse exposes India’s over-reliance and free plans
The defeat was rooted in a disjointed show with each ball and bat as South Africa piled up 213, powered by a blistering 90 from Quinton de Kock and supported by disciplined ending towards an erratic Indian assault. India’s response by no means actually recovered from a horror begin, with Shubman Gill falling for a primary‑ball duck and captain Suryakumar Yadav dismissed cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 32 for 3 inside 4 overs.
Tilak Varma’s glowing 62 off 34 balls supplied temporary resistance however lacked sustained help, whereas Axar Patel’s promotion within the order didn’t translate into the form of anchor position India had hoped for. After the match, Suryakumar admitted that the facet had leaned too closely on Abhishek Sharma’s explosive type on the prime and pressured that senior batters, together with himself and Gill, wanted to shoulder extra duty and take the chase deeper.
The skipper additionally conceded that India did not rapidly implement a “second plan” as soon as the preliminary method beneath lights and slight dew did not dent South Africa’s scoring, hinting at strategic in addition to execution lapses. With the collection now stage at 1-1 and Gambhir’s uncompromising reactions beneath the highlight, the main target shall be firmly on how India recalibrate their bowling self-discipline and prime‑order temperament heading into the following T20I.
Additionally WATCH: Gautam Gambhir gets furious as Arshdeep Singh bowls 7 wides in one over during IND vs SA 2nd T20
