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'He's A Prickly Character': Ricky Ponting Hits Back At Gautam Gambhir’s Criticism

Ricky Ponting responds to Gautam Gambhir's criticism [Source: @sujeetsuman1991, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Ricky Ponting responds to Gautam Gambhir's criticism [Source: @sujeetsuman1991, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Ricky Ponting wasn’t fazed when Gautam Gambhir fired shots his way. The Indian head coach wasn’t thrilled with Ponting’s recent comments on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s form and didn’t hold back. Gambhir bluntly questioned why Ponting should even be concerned with Indian cricket, suggesting he should “focus on Australian cricket.” But, as it turns out, Ponting didn’t take the comments to heart.

Ponting Brushes Off Gambhir’s Comments, Keeps It Cool Ahead of BGT

Many thought Ricky Ponting might hit back, but the former Australia captain has calmed down considerably over the years. In an interview with 7News, Ponting chuckled when asked if he’d shake hands with Gambhir before the first Test in Perth.

“If he comes my way, yes,” he laughed, showing he’s not interested in adding fuel to the fire.

The two actually go back a long way – they’ve played against each other and even shared a dressing room when Ponting coached Gambhir at Delhi Daredevils. Ponting knows Gambhir’s personality well, calling him a “prickly character.”


No Dig at Kohli, Just an Observation

As for Kohli, Ponting clarified he wasn’t being critical. He’d only mentioned that Kohli’s form hasn’t been as sharp in recent years and that Kohli himself would likely acknowledge that.

“In no way was it a dig at him,” Ponting said, adding that he knows Kohli is keen to make a comeback in Australia.

Ponting stated that people often twist comments but he respects Kohli’s game and believes he’s still a threat.

“If you ask Virat, I’m sure he would be a little bit concerned that he hasn’t been able to make the same amount of hundreds as he has in previous years. So it’s amazing how little things can get cut up, but he’s a class player, and he’s played well in Australia in the past,” added the Aussie veteran.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaching fast, it’s clear Ponting isn’t interested in stirring up drama. He’s focused on the cricket and is eager to see what Kohli and Rohit bring to the series.