Former Australian captain Tim Paine is not happy with Gautam Gambhir’s reaction to Ricky Ponting’s opinion on Virat Kohli before the start of Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Tim does not feel that the form of Rohit Sharma and Kohli are something to be worried about, but it is the inability of their coach to stay calm under pressure.
Before leaving for Australia, Gambhir was asked about Ponting stated Kohli not scoring enough Test centuries in last 5 years. Gambhir stated to Ponting to worry about Australian cricket and not Indian cricket.
Ponting stated that he is not surprised by this comment by Gambhir and even called him a ‘prickly character’. A few days later, Tim came in the defence of Ponting as he feels that the Australian legend was just doing what he is supposed to do.
“I don’t love it. 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,” said Paine.
