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Australian batting legend Ricky Ponting has launched a scathing attack on Gautam Gambhir again over his recent comments ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Ponting expressed surprise at Gambhir's reaction and suggested that more heated exchanges might occur as the series progresses.
Recently, Ponting commented on Virat Kohli's form, expressing concern over the Indian batter's lack of centuries in the past five years. Gambhir, during a press conference, defended Kohli and criticized Ponting's comments, stating that the former Australian captain should focus on his own team and not interfere in Indian cricket. Gambhir also praised Kohli's toughness as a player.
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Ricky Ponting fires fresh salvo at Gautam Gambhir
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin tomorrow, Ricky Ponting has clarified his recent comments about Virat Kohli's form. Ponting stated that he simply answered a question he was asked and pointed out that Kohli's recent statistics would likely be a concern for the Indian batter himself. In an interview with 7Cricket, Ponting elaborated on his perspective.
"Yeah, I think I have. You know, that story's been going around for a week and a half now, maybe two weeks. You know, I was just asked the question if I was concerned with Virat's output over the last couple of years. And it was, it was funny, the timing of it, because it was only the day before that I was read some stats on what Virat sort of hasn't been able to do in the last couple of years. He's made two test match hundreds, I think in his last 60 test match innings.
"So I mean, anybody, Virat himself would be concerned with his output because he's a better player than that has been for such a long period of time. But, you know, I backed it up by saying that he's got a great record here. He loves playing against Australia. If there's a time for Virat to turn it around, it'll be now. I mean, I think the reaction to it, it wasn't so much what I said," Ponting said.
Ponting added that Gautam Gambhir's reaction was surprising, given the recent criticism the Indian head coach faced for his press conference appearances.
"I think the reaction from Gambhir was what probably surprised everybody, surprised a lot of people in India as well, to the point where they were questioning if he should be sitting in press conferences, answering some of the questions. So look, I'm looking forward to seeing Virat again. He's a star. He's one of the all-time greats. And who knows, it might be his series again," the former Australia captain added.
If Gautam Gambhir holds a grudge...: Ricky Ponting
Ponting was also asked about a potential handshake with Gautam Gambhir when the two meet in Perth. The former Australian captain stated that he doesn't harbor any grudges but hinted that Gambhir might face more criticism as the series progresses.
"Yeah, yeah, I do. Yeah, I don't hold a grudge or anything like that. It'll be up to him. If he holds a grudge from what I had to say there, then I'm sure he's probably heard worse things in the past. He'll probably hear some worse things as the summer goes on, especially if his team doesn't win. So look, I've got no issue with him. And well, I think we're probably guaranteed to bump into each other Friday morning, and we'll see how frosty or not it might be. Yeah, well, I look forward to that as well," Ponting concluded.
