Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting continued his attack on India coach Gautam Gambhir. Ricky Ponting said Gautam Gambhir’s criticism of Virat Kohli’s comments could have influenced India’s recent Test series defeat against New Zealand.
It all started when Ponting expressed his concerns about Virat Kohli’s form. Ponting said Kohli has scored only two Test centuries in the last five years. In response, Gambhir said that Ponting should focus on Australian cricket. Gambhir also defended Kohli and Rohit Sharma despite their poor performances.
Notably, Kohli has struggled to score runs in Tests. He has averaged under 30 in every season since 2020 with one exception. Kohli scored only two centuries in 34 test matches. In India’s 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home, he scored just 93 runs in six innings at an average of under 16.
He Just Throws Me Into The Deep End – Ricky Ponting
Speaking on his podcast show ‘The Run Home with Joel & Fletch’, Ricky Ponting said he felt targeted by Gautam Gambhir. Ponting said Gambhir could use India’s most experienced players to focus on him.
“I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned a few of them, but I think he’s just thrown me in the deep, trying to find the two most experienced of them and make sure when they come out,” Ponting said.
I was worried about Virat Kohli’s form – Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting has reiterated his concerns about Virat Kohli’s form, adding that his average has dropped massively. However, Ponting said the upcoming tour to Australia could be the perfect opportunity for Kohli to silence his critics given his strong record in the country.
“I was asked last night if I was worried about Virat Kohli’s form. I had read his stats from the last five years the day before, so it was clear in my head. I think he has scored only two (three) centuries in the last five years. His average in India has dropped from 90 to 30 during this period,” Ponting said.
“So, yes, I would be worried. I said if you ask him about his form, he’ll be worried because it’s not what it used to be. But then I said he loves playing in Australia and has a great record. Here, if ever, he can turn things around. If there was a tour, this would be it.”
The hairs on the bat’s neck are standing up – Ricky Ponting
The former Australia captain said Gautam Gambhir might react harshly because of his frustrations after India’s loss to New Zealand. Ponting also said that Gambhir took the chance to fire back at him as they have some history.
“But they never talked about the second half. Then Gambhir went and faced the press, having just lost to New Zealand. The hairs on his neck stood up. We have a bit of history too, but he has a chance to fire back at me,” he said.
In Australia, Virat Kohli scored over 1,300 runs at an average of 54.08 in 13 Test matches, including six centuries and four half-centuries. The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin on November 22 and the first Test will be played in Perth.
Also read: Pat Cummins set his sights on ending Rohit Sharma’s career in India against Australia
