Gambhir Hits Back at Ponting Over Comments on Kohli’s Form

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come all guns blazing in defense of Virat Kohli. Australian former captain Ricky Ponting questioned Virat’s form in Test cricket. With the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy scheduled to get underway on November 22 in Perth, Gambhir brushed aside Ponting’s criticism. Gambhir said that it was uncalled for and Kohli would always come good under pressure.

Ricky Ponting’s critique was prompted by the fact that Indian skipper Virat Kohli hasn’t been as effective as he used to be with the bat in Test cricket in the last five years.

The premier batsman across formats was quite exceptional during a three-year period 2017-2019, but has managed to strike only three centuries in the red ball cricket from 75 innings played since then. Ponting highlighted how such statistics would have thrown up question marks over the position of any other top-order batsman in the team.

But Gambhir has never been one to shy away from his no-nonsense dismissal of these concerns, instead trying to highlight the resilience and hunger within the Indian camp to bounce back from their recent setbacks. 

Ponting’s Critique and Faith in Kohli

Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting brought up Kohli’s struggles in recent years, referring to it as a rare anomaly for someone of his caliber. “I don’t think there is any top-order batter who is playing international cricket and has scored just 2 centuries in 5 years,” Ponting said.

He acknowledged the lean patch of Kohli as nothing less than a surprise considering his fabulous consistency of the past. Ponting underlined Kohli’s current Test average at 31.68, a steep drop from the manic heights of his peak years. Yet, he stuck to his belief that the intense competitive spirit Kohli possesses, more against Australia, may act as a catalyst for an excellent series.

Playing against Australia brings the best out of him,” Ponting added, underlining the stakes that come with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a perfect platform for Kohli to rediscover his rhythm.

The Border-Gavaskar trophy will be full of cricketing thrill. It is a great chance for you if you love predicting the match results. On Winexch, you can make all sports predictions and win real cash rewards. Sign up now on Winexch and start your winning journey.

Gambhir’s Fiery Response

Ahead of the Indian team’s departure to Perth, Gambhir threw a sharp dig at Ponting’s remarks while addressing the media. “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? Ponting should care about Australian cricket and not about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s form,” Gambhir said. 

I don’t have any concerns whatsoever about Rohit and Virat. They are really tough men who have done a lot for Indian cricket and will continue to, do thereabout.

Gambhir, however, stressed that though the numbers of Kohli of late may be insipid, the hunger and passion in the Indian dressing room have not gone away. Referring to the recent series defeat of India against New Zealand earlier this year by 0-3, Gambhir said such setbacks could motivate players to perform better.

Most importantly, they still work very hard and have the same passion to achieve more, which is what matters. The hunger in the team is necessary, especially after the last series we played against New Zealand.” Gambhir said.

Everyone is talking about this, don’t be the one left out of this great contest. If you are good at fantasy sports prediction, Join the contest on Winexch and win Lakhs of cash prize. You can make a T20 Worldcup prediction, IPL match prediction, or any other bilateral series prediction and win huge cash rewards every day on Winexch. Sign up now and be the lucky winner.   

The Critical Role Kohli Plays in the Coming Series

Though Kohli’s recent form has polarised opinion, few can argue over the fact that he remains one of the biggest game-changers in international cricket. Leading into the five-match series against a Pat Cummins-led Australia, Kohli has his first real chance to shut his critics and make a telling statement on the Test match stage.

Gambhir echoed that very feeling when he felt the experience and aggression of seniors like Kohli and Rohit will do the trick for India in the series. “The most important thing that matters to me is that these players have done so much for Indian cricket over the years. The hunger to achieve more and the work ethic they bring to the dressing room is what fuels this team,” Gambhir said.

India would want their senior players to come up big if they are to win the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The conditions Down Under, along with a superior Cummins challenge coupled with his pace attack, will test the Indian batting lineup. But Kohli’s tryst against Australia has been great and suggests that he loves such challenges and that makes him a very important cog in India’s plans. 

The Stakes Are High

During the years that have passed, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been full of intense battles and there is no reason to suggest that prospects for this series will be any different for the team led by Kohli. On the contrary, this is more about capturing the opportunity and leading the team from the front against a fancied Australian team – words one was to give to Kohli.

FAQs  

Q: Why did Ricky Ponting comment on Virat Kohli’s form?

A: He pointed out with concern that Kohli’s graph in Test cricket has fallen, having scored only three centuries in the last five years-something beyond belief for a player of his standard. 

Q: How did Gambhir respond to Ponting’s comments?

A: Gambhir asserts that these are cricketers and not school kids. He feels that Kohli and Rohit have garnered respect for Indian cricket and received multiple awards not because of their use of bad language, but because of cricket that is played on their own standards.

Q: When does the Border-Gavaskar 2024 Trophy start?

A: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy falls on (is to be held on) the 22nd of November 2024 in Perth.

Q: How has Virat Kohli been doing in the recently concluded Test Cricket series?

A: The Test series against New Zealand was bad for Virat Kohli. He couldn’t play well at all scoring only 93 runs at an average of 15.5.