Gambhir Responds to Border-Gavaskar Trophy Pressure: No Pressure, Ponting Should Focus on Australia, Rohit-Kohli’s Comeback
Team India’s coach has denied any pressure ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Responding to Ricky Ponting’s statement, he mentioned that Ponting should focus on his own cricket.
Gambhir addressed the media before Team Australia’s departure. He was speaking to the press at a time when Team India had just suffered a 3-0 defeat in the home Test series against New Zealand.
Gambhir stated, “I am not under any pressure. The senior players of the team will return for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). If Rohit is unavailable for the Perth Test, Bumrah can take over as captain.”
Team India will play a 5-match Test series in Australia, starting in Perth on November 22. The final Test will be played between January 3 and 7.
Gambhir’s Response to 5 Challenges Ahead of BGT
Virat-Kohli Pair
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli couldn’t perform significantly in the 3-match series against New Zealand, which was a clean sweep for the visitors. Rohit scored a total of 91 runs, while Kohli managed 93 runs. Gambhir responded, saying, “Both still have a tremendous hunger for runs and performances. Both will return to play in Australia. Our dressing room has many great players who have played remarkable cricket.”
Ricky Ponting
Recently, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting commented on Kohli’s form, stating that he has only scored two centuries in the last 5 years. Ponting also mentioned that Team India won’t perform well in the BGT and would lose all the matches. In response, Gambhir said that Ponting should focus on Australian cricket and questioned what his opinion on Indian cricket has to do with the matter.
Loss to New Zealand and Pressure
After India’s loss in the Test series against New Zealand, some reports claimed that Gambhir would face immense pressure in the BGT. If the team doesn’t perform well, he could be replaced as India’s coach. On the pressure, Gambhir stated, “I am not under any pressure. We are facing challenges and openly accepting them. We need to move forward. We have a new series coming up in Australian Conditions
Gambhir emphasized that he isn’t worried about how the players will adjust to Australian conditions or the team’s transition phase. He mentioned, “Whether there are changes or not, I’m focused on the 5 Test matches ahead. We have strong characters in our dressing room who are hungry to perform well.”
Rohit Sharma’s Availability
There is a possibility that Rohit Sharma might miss the first Test in Perth due to personal reasons. Gambhir stated that if Rohit doesn’t play, Jasprit Bumrah will take over as captain, as he is the vice-captain of the team. In Rohit’s absence, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran may open the batting.
