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Mike Hussey came in support of Gambhir, stating that Kohli and Rohit would bounce back strongly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rohit Sharma (left) and Virat Kohli haven’t been anywhere close to their best this year so far. (BCCI Photo)
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were far from their usual best when India suffered a first-ever Test series whitewash at home. Both stalwarts also faced flak from fans for failing to score against the Kiwis. While Kohli scored just 91 runs, preceded by a series against Bangladesh where he managed only 42 runs in two matches, Rohit amassed 93.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting raised concerns over the dip in the form of the Indian star batters, but coach Gautam Gambhir denied any. Addressing the press on Monday morning, Gambhir backed his ‘incredibly tough men’ while taking a shot at Ponting.
“What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket?” Gambhir said.
“They [Kohli and Rohit] 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.”
Following Gambhir’s presser, former Australia batter Mike Hussey came in support of Gambhir, stating that Kohli and Rohit would bounce back strongly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“We will find out in the first Test match where they are at, mentally and from a skill perspective as well. They will be hurt by this, India. They have got a lot of crowd pullers and quality. We just heard from Gambhir talking about Rohit and Kohli not making runs. The silliest thing you can do is to write off champion players,” Hussey told Fox Cricket.
“We have seen it so many times in the past – they come under criticism, but they come out and perform really well. So I’m backing them to perform well in Australia. They are proud Indians and proud Test players. But I still feel Australia will start favourites,” he said.
Gambhir also dismissed theories that he is under pressure after India’s 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand. There has been a review, and reports of him not being on the same page with the selection committee. The social media frenzy has been on overdrive on these issues.
“What difference does it make? Tell me, social media, what difference does it make in my life and for that matter, anyone’s life?” Gambhir stepped out just like he would against any top spinner during his playing days.
“When I took up this job, I always thought that it is going to be a highly difficult job and highly prestigious job as well.
“I don’t think as if I am feeling the heat because my job is to be absolutely honest, and there are some incredibly tough people in that dressing room who have achieved some great things for the country and will continue to achieve some great things for the country. It is an absolute honour to be coaching them and coaching India,” he added.
