As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia draws closer, former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has voiced concerns over India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and his ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Paine’s comments come after a tense exchange between Gambhir and Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting, which has cast a shadow over the mood surrounding the Indian team ahead of the series.
The controversy erupted when Ponting, in an interview, expressed his concerns over Virat Kohli’s recent batting form. He highlighted the fact that Kohli had only scored two Test centuries in the past five years.
In a fiery response during India’s pre-departure press conference, Gambhir took issue with Ponting’s comments, saying, “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should be talking about Australia.”
The confrontation escalated when Ponting responded, labeling Gambhir as a ‘prickly customer’.
Paine, speaking on SEN Radio, described the exchange as a concerning sign. He noted, “I don’t love it. It’s not a good sign I think, because someone asked him was a very simple question. I think he’s maybe looking at Ricky still as someone he’s playing against, but Ricky is a commentator now – he’s paid to give an opinion, and his opinion was spot on.”
“Virat has been sliding, it is a concern, absolutely. But for me now, the biggest concern for India right now isn’t Rohit Sharma’s batting, isn’t Virat Kohli’s batting, it’s their coach and his ability to stay calm under pressure,” he further added.
Paine Praises Ravi Shastri’s Leadership; Questions Gambhir’s Fit For India
With the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series to begin in Perth on 22 November, Paine reflected on India’s previous successful campaigns in Australia under former head coach Ravi Shastri. He praised Shastri’s ability to create a positive and energized atmosphere within the team, helping them secure historic wins.
Paine suggested that Gambhir’s intense and competitive nature may not suit the current Indian team.
“Their last two series wins out here they had Ravi Shastri who was fantastic. He created a great environment, the players all energised, they played with passion, he sold them the dream and motivated them in a really light-hearted enjoyable way,” stated Paine on SEN Radio.
He further asserted, “They have gone to a new coach now that is really prickly, really competitive – and that not to say that’s not a good thing and a good way to coach – but my concern is that it’s not a great fit for the Indian cricket team.”
“If your coach is the first one to crack in a press conference after a simple question, it could be a really long summer for Gautam Gambhir if India don’t get off to a good start on Perth,” Paine concluded.
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