New Delhi, November 16 (IANS). Teams of India and Australia are in action mode regarding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the period of sharp statements has also started. Meanwhile, former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has given a big statement regarding Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Tim Paine expressed concern over Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir’s recent comments towards Ricky Ponting, saying that the biggest concern for the visiting team in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy could be the inability to remain calm under pressure.
Ponting had said that he is worried about the form of Virat Kohli. He has scored two Test centuries in the last five years. But Gambhir hit back in the press conference saying, “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should be talking about Australia.”
After this Ponting said that Gambhir is a person who gets angry easily. I knew he would react similarly.
“I don’t like this thing. It’s not a good sign for cricket, because he was just asked a very simple question,” Paine said on SEN radio. “I think maybe he still sees Ricky as that person. Who he’s playing against, but Ricky is a commentator now. He gets paid to give his opinion, and his opinion was spot on.
He further said that Virat’s performance is declining, it is definitely a matter of concern. But for me, the biggest concern for India is not the batting of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but their coaches and their ability to remain calm under pressure.”
The first of the five Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India will start on November 22 in Perth. After this, matches will be held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
Penn also believes that former head coach Ravi Shastri had given a new energy to the team with his calm attitude. Which is perhaps difficult to come by during Gambhir’s tenure.
–IANS
AMJ/AS
