India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has not held back in response to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting’s criticism of Virat Kohli. Ponting had questioned why Kohli remains in India’s Test squad despite scoring only two or three centuries in the last five years, suggesting that any other player would have been dropped by now. Gambhir, however, dismissed these remarks, questioning Ponting’s authority to critique Indian cricket and expressed his unwavering support for the seasoned pair of Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
In a recent press conference in Mumbai, Gambhir emphasized the hunger and drive both Kohli and Rohit continue to display, despite their recent struggles. Both players endured a challenging series against New Zealand, scoring just 93 and 91 runs across six innings each. Following the loss to New Zealand, in which India was defeated 3-0, the spotlight has intensified on the two veterans as they prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Gambhir, addressing the concerns, highlighted the dedication and resilience of Kohli and Rohit. “I’m not worried at all,” he remarked. “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should focus on Australian cricket. Kohli and Rohit are incredibly tough players who have given so much to Indian cricket, and they are far from done.”
Reflecting on the recent series loss, Gambhir admitted that India was “outplayed, out-skilled, and outperformed” but underscored how this defeat has further fueled the team’s determination. Gambhir views the loss as a learning experience, one that he believes will motivate Kohli and Rohit to return stronger for the high-stakes series in Australia starting on November 22 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
According to Gambhir, the spirit within the dressing room remains high, especially with the veterans showing no signs of complacency. “The most important thing for me is that they still work very hard, remain passionate, and are eager to achieve more. The hunger within them is crucial for me and the entire team.”
With Gambhir’s full support, Kohli and Rohit are expected to lead India’s batting charge against Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy presents a significant opportunity for the duo to silence critics and make a strong statement about their enduring place in Indian cricket.
