Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir faced some tough questions from the press ahead of the team's departure for Australia, where they are set to play a challenging five-match Test series. Gambhir faced grilling, especially after India’s recent 0-3 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand in their most recent Test series. During India's series against New Zealand, senior Indian players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had failed to live up to the expectations, losing their wickets cheaply.
During the press conference, Gambhir was asked about former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting’s comment on Virat Kohli’s form. Ponting, in his comments, had highlighted Kohli’s poor form saying how he had just scored two centuries in Tests in last five years. Gambhir, meanwhile, slammed the Australian legend while giving a fiery response.
"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," said Gambhir in press conference.
Gambhir backed both Kohli and Rohit and highlighted their hard work and huger for success.
"I think for me, the most important thing is that they still work really hard and they still passionate, they still want to achieve a lot more and that is something which is very important. The hunger in that dressing room is incredibly important for me. And for the entire group of people as well in that dressing in dressing rooms. And I feel there is a lot of hunger and especially after what has happened in the last series," Gambhir told the media.