New Delhi: Indian men’s head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed media personnel in Mumbai just before the national cricket team departed for Australia on Monday for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 43-year-old answered on several aspects with the team, including questions on India’s recent home series 3-0 whitewash to New Zealand.
Gambhir responded on queries about the form of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting’s criticism on Kohli’s form, the team combination against Australia, KL Rahul’s versatility to play in Tests, Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test, and the transition of team.
Following the conclusion of Gambhir’s press conference on Monday, cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar took to his official X account, expressing his disapproval on the Indian coach’s conduct with the press without mentioning any particular instance.
“Just watched Gambhir in the press conference. May be wise for @BCCI to keep him away from such duties, let him work behind the scenes. He does not have the right demeanour nor the words when interacting with them,” Manjrekar wrote on X.
“Rohit & Agarkar, much better guys to front up for the media,” he added.
Gambhir’s coaching under pressure?
Gautam Gambhir’s coaching came under the scanner along with Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership after India suffered their first Test series defeat in home after a period of 12 years. The Test losses in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai, the Indian team drew a lot of flak over its ability to play spin. The lack of application from senior players and the team’s hindrance in adapting to conditions and match situations are some macro-analytical questions thrown before the Indian team management.
The timing for this ignominy comes just ahead of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The much-anticipated series will decide India’s final position in the World Test Championship cycle. The Men in Blue are expected to win at least four Test matches without losing any game Down Under to ensure they make the cut for the WTC final.
Sanjay Manjrekar asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stop Gautam Gambhir from participating in press conferences after his media interaction on Monday ahead of the team’s departure in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
