'India Will Be Hurt': Mike Hussey On Gambhir Shunting Ponting's Criticism Of Kohli, Rohit

Akshita Patel∙ Updated: Nov 11 2024, 5:52 PM | 3 Min Read

Mike Hussey reacts to Gambhir's jibe at Ricky Ponting [Source: @CSKFansOfficial, @mufaddl_parody/X.com]

In a candid statement, Michael Hussey supported Gautam Gambhir’s remarks on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s dull form. He agreed that champion players cannot be written off and that the first Test in Perth against Australia will reveal where the veterans stand in terms of mental and skill perspectives. 

Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir’s explosive press conference in Mumbai ahead of the Border Gavaskar Series raised many eyebrows. Gambhir admitted the team’s flaws and took responsibility for the home series loss against New Zealand.

He also called out former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting for his unnecessary concerns about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s rough form, stating that he trusts his players to come out stronger in the face of adversity. 

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Hussey backs Gambhir's trust on Rohit, Kohli

Meanwhile, another former Australian cricketer, Michael Hussey, reacted to Gautam Gambhir’s statements and interestingly agreed with the same. Talking to FOX cricket, Hussey stated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are champion players, and one cannot write them off that easily. 

He added that Kohli and Rohit’s downfall is hurting India as the duo are quality players and crowd pullers. Hence, Hussey believes the first Test in Perth will be a crucial contest as both Kohli and Rohit’s mental toughness and highly rated skillset will be put to the test.

“We will find out in the first Test match where they are at, mentally and from a skill perspective as well. They will be hurt by this, India. They have got a lot of crowd pullers and quality. We just heard from Gambhir talking about Rohit and Kohli not making runs. The silliest thing you can do is to write off champion players. We have seen it so many times in the past - they come under criticism, but they come out and perform really well," he said.

While Michael Hussey backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to thrive in Australian conditions, he firmly believes that the hosts will start as favourite winners.

"So, I'm backing them to perform well in Australia. They are proud Indians and proud Test players. But, I still feel Australia will start favourites,” Hussey added.

Gambhir’s future as head coach hangs in the balance

Following India’s whitewash defeat against New Zealand in a home Test series, head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing heat. As per reports, based on Border-Gavaskar Trophy results, BCCI will alter the coaching staff. If India fails in Australia, Gambhir could be removed from Test setup with VVS Laxman potentially replacing him. A split coaching formula is very much on the cards as BCCI stays alerted to avoid India’s potential downfall in Test cricket. 

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