"His actions should match his words" - Former KKR teammate's blunt advice to Gautam Gambhir after IND vs SA 2025 Tests

Former cricketer Robin Uthappa believes India head coach Gautam Gambhir will have to walk the talk following the side's 0-2 Test series whitewash against South Africa. He opined that Gambhir will have to do something inspirational to lift the morale of his team following the disappointing campaign at home.

The Indian coach has come under the scanner as the side suffered their second Test series whitewash at home in the last 12 months. Giving advice to his former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate, Uthappa said in his latest YouTube video:

"It's not going to be easy for GG. It's something that he will have to endure. It seems like life has pushed him to a point where there's no way moving forward without addressing this. He has to figure out a way to be inspirational to his team without having the luxury of just saying something motivational. It's actually being able to do stuff that develops these players and gives them the confidence and be clear with what he is communicating to them.

"His actions should match his words for a period of time because today, when you look at this side, there's a lot that the players need to do, but there's a lot that needs to be done to rally this team together as well," he added.

India had a daunting 549-run target in the fourth innings of the recently concluded Guwahati Test. The hosts went down without a fight, getting bowled out for just 140 on Day 5.

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"Sometimes you need to cut them some slack" - Robin Uthappa urges fans to support Gautam Gambhir

Robin Uthappa also seemed unhappy with Gautam Gambhir being heavily trolled following the whitewash. He noted that certain fans did the same to legendary Indian batter Rahul Dravid as well during his stint as the head coach.

Reacting to the fans' reactions, the cricketer-turned-commentator remarked in the same video:

"It's quite sad to see the likes of people who have not played representational cricket saying this kind of stuff. Whether it's Gauti or anybody else. I felt this when people were going after Rahul bhai back when he was the coach. Like, here's a guy who has done something incredible at the international level; he is doing another role right now. Yes, I understand your expectations of him are high, but sometimes you need to cut them some slack."

Gambhir's next assignment will be a three-match ODI series against South Africa at home. The first match will be played in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.