'He Can Comment On Anything He Wants'- Former Aussie Mates Jump To Ponting's Defence vs Gambhir

Akshita Patel∙ Updated: Nov 16 2024, 11:45 PM | 2 Min Read

Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden hits out at Gautam Gambhir [Source: @sujeetsuman1991, @clubprairiefire/X.com]

The ongoing heated exchange between Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has escalated after Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden jumped into the debate to defend Ponting and hit back at Gambhir. According to Gilchrist, Ponting has earned every right to say whatever he wants on most aspects of cricket.

Gautam Gambhir fired shots at Ricky Ponting at the Mumbai press conference while responding to the latter’s comments on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s form. The head coach stated that Ponting has nothing to do with Indian cricket, and his comments mean nothing to him. In response, Ricky Ponting called Gambhir a ‘prickly character.’

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Hayden, Gilchrist shares take on Gambhir-Ponting controversy

Now, days ahead of the Perth Test, former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and opener Matthew Hayden jumped into the debate. Talking on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, Gilchrist hit out at Gautam Gambhir, saying that Ricky Ponting can say anything he wants to as he has earned that right as one of the most successful batters in world cricket. 

“Punter can comment on anything he wants. I think he has earned the right to comment on most aspects of cricket. I love this, this is going to get the popcorn out for the rest of the summer," Gilchrist said.

Matthew Hayden added that cricket experts are paid to share their opinions on the game they love the most. Hence, Ponting’s comments on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were out of concern and were not meant to take a dig at Indian cricket.

“We are paid to make an opinion, make a comment and make a call about the game we know and love," said the powerful southpaw batter," Hayden opined.

Ponting accuses Gambhir of purposely targeting him

In a recent appearance ‘The Run Home with Joel & Fletch’ podcast, Ricky Ponting clarified that his comments on Virat Kohli’s form came from a point of concern as his last 5 years stats are underwhelming. However, Ponting stated that he is being purposely targeted by Gautam Gambhir, as the duo’s heated history dates years back. He added that Gambhir pounced on the first opportunity he got to undermine him but if Virat Kohli does end up scoring runs in Australia, Ricky Ponting promised that he will be the happiest of all.

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