New Delhi: Former Australian skipper and captain Ricky Ponting has hit back at Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir after the latter commented on Ponting’s comments on Virat Kohli during the pre-match press conference of the Border Gavaskar trophy. Earlier, Ponting had commented on the dilapidated form of Virat Kohli who has just scored 2 centuries in the last 5 years.
When the question about Kohli’s form arose during the press conference, Gambhir replied:
What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? I think he should think about Australian cricket and more importantly have got no concerns whatsoever for Virat and Rohit. I think 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…
Ponting clarifies his statement on Virat Kohli
Speaking to Channel Seven on the same day, Ponting, describing Gambhir as a “prickly character,” admitted that he’s “had a bit of history” with the former India opener, which dates back to their playing days.
Speaking at the Channel 7 News, Ponting remarked:
In no way my comments on Virat Kohli’s form were a dig at him. Virat is a class player. I was surprised to read the reaction of Gautam Gambhir, he’s quite a prickly character, so I’m not surprised it was him who said something back…
Ricky Ponting said, “in no way my comments on Virat Kohli’s form were a dig at him. Virat is a class player. I was surprised to read the reaction of Gautam Gambhir, he’s quite a prickly character, so I’m not surprised it was him who said something back”. (7News). pic.twitter.com/cwlPg0bSPA
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 13, 2024
Ponting further admitted that he would shake Gambhir’s hand “if he came my way” during the Test series, but added that he doesn’t expect that to happen.