November 16, 2024

IANS - New Delhi

Ponting had opined that he was concerned about Virat Kohli’s form – of scoring two Test hundreds in the last five years. But Gambhir shot back in the pre-departure press conference, saying, ‘What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should be talking about Australia’. It led to Ponting saying Gambhir is a prickly customer.

“I don’t love it. It’s not a good sign I think, because all he was asked was a very simple question. I think he’s maybe looking at Ricky still as someone he’s playing against, but Ricky is a commentator now - he’s paid to give an opinion, and his opinion was spot on.”

“Virat has been sliding, it is a concern, absolutely. But for me now, the biggest concern for India right now isn’t Rohit Sharma’s batting, isn’t Virat Kohli’s batting, it’s their coach and his ability to stay calm under pressure,” said Paine on SEN Radio.

The first of five Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests between Australia and India begins in Perth on November 22, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. Paine also thinks former head coach Ravi Shastri, who was at the helm of India’s twin Test series wins in Australia, offered his side a bundle of energy through his light-hearted nature, something which he feels isn’t in Gambhir.

“Their last two series wins out here they had Ravi Shastri who was fantastic. He created a great environment, the players were energised, they played with passion, he sold them the dream and motivated them in a really light-hearted enjoyable way.”

“They have gone to a new coach now that is really prickly, really competitive - and that not to say that’s not a good thing and a good way to coach - but my concern is that it’s not a great fit for the Indian cricket team.”

“If your coach is the first one to crack in a press conference after being asked a simple question, it could be a really long summer for Gautam Gambhir if India don’t get off to a good start on Perth,” he concluded.

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