Mumbai – Head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed recent remarks made by Ricky Ponting concerning Virat Kohli’s form, asserting that Ponting should concentrate on Australia’s cricket rather than India’s. Ponting had expressed concerns about Kohli’s dip in Test form, noting that the Indian star has only managed two centuries in the last five years, though he also voiced confidence in Kohli’s potential to return to top form, especially on Australian soil.

“What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? I think he should focus on Australian cricket,” Gambhir told reporters ahead of India’s departure to Australia. “I have no concerns about Virat or Rohit at all.”
Kohli’s performance has seen a decline from his peak years, when he averaged over 50 in Test cricket from 2016 to 2019. Since then, he has accumulated 1,838 runs across 34 Tests at an average of 31.68, with only two centuries. This year, his average has fallen to a career-low 22.72 over six matches.
Ponting, speaking on a recent episode of the ICC Review, commented, “There’s no questioning the greats of the game, and Virat’s certainly one of them. He loves playing against Australia, and if there’s a moment for him to bounce back, it’s this series.”
When asked about the form of Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who scored just 93 and 91 runs respectively during India’s recent 0-3 series loss to New Zealand, Gambhir dismissed concerns. “They are incredibly tough players who’ve achieved so much for Indian cricket. What matters most is their dedication and passion for achieving even more.”
Gambhir emphasized that the hunger within the Indian camp, particularly after the recent series loss, would be crucial going forward. “The drive in the dressing room is incredibly important to me and to the entire team, especially after the New Zealand series,” he said.
Indian batters struggled significantly against New Zealand, facing challenging conditions with seaming wickets in Bengaluru and spin-friendly surfaces in Pune and Mumbai. However, Gambhir expressed confidence in his team’s adaptability for the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia, beginning November 22 in Perth.
“We’re not concerned about the type of pitches we’ll face. Whether it’s a green, bouncy surface or a turning track, we’re ready for anything,” he stated. “Our focus is to play to our strengths, and if we do that, we believe we can beat any team on any given wicket.”