‘Jadilah’: Sourav Ganguly membungkam komentar Gambhir tentang Ponting

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has defended current head coach Gautam Gambhir after his comments about Ricky Ponting provoked controversy. Ahead of the India vs Australia Test series, Gambhir’s statements raised eyebrows, but Ganguly believes criticism of his straightforward style is unwarranted.

Speaking to RevSportz, Ganguly said, “All I will say is let him be. I saw some criticism of what he said in the press conference. It is the way he is. Let him be. When he won the IPL, he was the same. You were going gaga over him.” Ganguly emphasised that Gambhir’s direct approach has been consistent throughout his career. “Just because he has lost three Test matches and a one-day series against Sri Lanka, the straight talk has not been looked at nicely. But that is the way he is,” he added.

Australians are always tough opponents

Ganguly also addressed Gambhir’s views on Ponting, highlighting Australia’s aggressive cricketing style over the years. “Australians, from the time I have watched cricket, have been tough for you. They have played their cricket that way, whether it was Waugh, Ponting or Hayden,” he said.

He urged critics to give Gambhir time to settle into his role as head coach, pointing out that it has only been a few months since he took charge. “Let us give him a chance,” Ganguly stated.

Gambhir criticises Ponting

The controversy began when Gambhir remarked that Ponting should focus on Australian cricket instead of commenting on Indian players. “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should think about Australian cricket. We have no concerns about Kohli, Rohit. They have achieved a lot for Indian cricket,” Gambhir had said.

In response, Ponting referred to Gambhir as a “pricky character” but clarified that he had backed Virat Kohli to perform well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The much-anticipated India-Australia clash will begin on November 22, with tensions already brewing off the field.