New Delhi, India

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting hit back at India head coach Gautam Gambhir as the latter criticised him for his recent take on Virat Kohli. Ahead of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which kicks off on Nov 22, Ponting criticised Kohli for his recent poor run of form (who has only two Test hundreds since 2020). To this, Gambhir hit back at the Aussie, during a presser on Monday (Nov 11), in Mumbai, saying he should focus on Australian cricket. Now, Punter has slammed Gambhir by saying that he was never taking a dig at Kohli.

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Earlier, Ponting said of the latest episode in the ICC Review, "I saw a stat the other day about Virat, it said he's only scored two (three) Test hundreds in the last five years. That didn't seem right to me, but if that is right, then that is, I mean, that's a concern." This wasn't well received by Gambhir, who told the press before his departure to Australia, "What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? I think he should think about Australian cricket. More importantly, I have got no concerns whatsoever for Virat and Rohit. They are incredibly tough men. They've achieved a lot for Indian cricket and they will continue to achieve a lot in the future as well."

Also read: Players like Rohit and Virat are...: Ex-BCCI chief selector on under fire Indian duo before Australia Tests

'Knowing Gambhir ... he’s quite a prickly character, so I’m not surprised'

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While talking to 7NEWS, Punter now reacted to Gambhir's comments and said, "I said I would be concerned (about his form). But I think if you ask Virat, I’m sure Virat 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."

“In no way was it a dig at him. I actually followed it up by saying he’s played well in Australia and he’ll be keen to bounce back over here. 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. I was surprised to read the reaction but knowing the coach, Gautam Gambhir ... he’s quite a prickly character, so I’m not surprised it was him who said something back," Ponting added.

More war of words between active and former Indian and Australian players is expected as cricketing fans are gearing up for the upcoming BGT, which starts later this month in Perth.