New Delhi: Ricky Ponting isn’t amused at the way Gautam Gambhir reacted to his comments on Virat Kohli’s form ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series.
India have landed in Australia for a high-voltage five Test series that begins in Perth from November between the top two teams in the World Test Championship.
India approach the series after getting whitewash 0-3 at home to New Zealand in which Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit struggled for runs and received a lot of criticism.
Ponting had spoken about it saying that Kohli’s form in Test cricket over the last few years must be a concern for India. Gambhir had reacted to it, by asking Ponting to think about Australia rather than speaking on Kohli an India.
“What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket?, He should think about Australian cricket. I don’t have any concerns,” Gambhir had said.
“They (Kohli and Rohit) are incredibly tough men; they’ve achieved a lot for Indian cricket and are going to achieve a lot in future as well.”
Asked to comment on Gambhir’s reaction, the former Australia skipper told 7News: “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.”
Ponting pointed out that his comments were not critical in nature as he had also mentioned Kohli’s impressive record in Australia could pave way for the star to return to form.
“In no way was it a dig at him (Kohli). I actually followed it up by saying he’s played well in Australia and he’ll be keen to bounce back over here…If you ask Virat, I’m sure he 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,” he said.
“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.” Ponting said.
Before the high-voltage five Test series between India and Australia, verbal volleys have appeared from both camps Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
