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Ricky Ponting says he’s not surprised at Gautam Gambhir’s reaction to his concerns over Virat Kohli’s form ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Gautam Gambhir (left) wants Ricky Ponting to worry about Australian cricket. (PTI/BCCI)
Gautam Gambhir’s fiery response to Ricky Ponting raising concerns over the form of premier India batter Virat Kohli made the headlines ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ponting says he’s not surprised by Gambhir’s remarks as he’s called the current India head coach a “prickly character”.
Kohli, one of the greatest batters of his generation, has managed two Test centuries in the last five years which has raised concerns over his form. During an ICC podcast, Ponting pointed out the damning stat as he wondered if anyone apart from Kohli with such a record will even merit a place in the top order.
“There wouldn’t be anyone else probably even playing international cricket as a top-order batsman that’s only scored two Test match hundreds in five years,” Ponting said.
While interacting with the reporters before departing for Australia for the upcoming five-Test series, Gambhir was asked about the iffy form of captain Rohit Sharma and Kohli with Ponting’s remarks thrown in.
It drew a sharp response from the two-time world cup winner. “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? I think he should think about Australian cricket. More importantly, I have got no concerns whatsoever for Virat and Rohit. They are incredibly tough men. They’ve achieved a lot for Indian cricket, and they will continue to achieve a lot in the future as well,” Gambhir said.
Ponting has defended his remarks.
“I said I would be concerned (about Kohli’s form),” Ponting told 7NEWS. “But I think if you ask Virat, I’m sure Virat would be a little bit concerned that he hasn’t been able to make the same amount of hundreds as he has in previous years.
“In no way was it a dig at him. I actually followed it up by saying he’s played well in Australia and he’ll be keen to bounce back over here. So, it’s amazing how little things can get cut up, but he’s a class player and he’s played well in Australia in the past.
“I was surprised to read the reaction but knowing the coach, Gautam Gambhir … he’s quite a prickly character, so I’m not surprised it was him who said something back.”
