Ricky Ponting Fires Back at Gautam Gambhir After India Coach’s Remarks

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, a verbal tussle has erupted between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Gambhir didn’t appreciate Ponting’s recent comments regarding Virat Kohli’s recent Test form and advised him to "stick to his own team." Ponting, in response, didn’t hold back, referring to Gambhir as a "prickly character" in an interview with 7News, saying he wasn’t surprised Gambhir would react in such a way.

Ponting had recently noted Kohli’s struggle to replicate his earlier prolific Test form, specifically pointing out that the Indian star has only scored two Test hundreds in the last five years. He clarified that this wasn’t meant as an attack but rather an observation. “In no way was it a dig at him (Kohli). I actually followed it up by saying he’s played well in Australia and he’ll be keen to bounce back over here,” Ponting explained. Acknowledging Kohli's strength as a player, he added, “He’s a class player and has done well in Australia before.”

Gambhir, however, appeared irked by Ponting’s remarks when he was informed of them during a press conference. Defending Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gambhir responded, “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should think about Australian cricket. Kohli and Rohit are incredibly tough men; they’ve achieved a lot for Indian cricket and will continue to do so.”

Ponting had earlier suggested that Kohli’s recent Test record raised questions, saying, “There probably wouldn’t be anyone else still playing international cricket as a top-order batsman who’s only scored two Test match hundreds in five years.” This remark, along with others, sparked the exchange, signaling the high-stakes atmosphere that’s set to intensify as India and Australia prepare to clash in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.