NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has come forward to defend head coach Gautam Gambhir following his controversial remarks about Ricky Ponting. Gambhirโs comments, made during a press conference ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, have stirred up debate, but Ganguly believes the criticism is unwarranted.
In a recent interview, Ganguly backed Gambhirโs candid approach, saying, โLet him be. I saw some criticism of what he said in the press conference, but thatโs just how he is. When he won the IPL, everyone praised him for the same attitude. Now, because heโs lost a few matches and a series, people are questioning it. But heโs always been straightforward, and that shouldnโt change. Heโs a fighter, and he competes hard. Letโs give him timeโitโs only been a few months, and judgments are already being passed.โ
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Ganguly also pointed out the aggressive nature of Australian cricket over the years, emphasizing that Gambhirโs comments align with the competitive spirit seen in players like Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and Matthew Hayden. He added, โAustralians have always played their cricket that way, so thereโs nothing wrong with Gambhir speaking his mind.โ
Gambhir had earlier suggested that Ponting should focus on Australian cricket rather than making comments about Indian players like Virat Kohli. โWhat does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should think about Australian cricket. Kohli and Rohit have done a lot for Indian cricket and will continue to do so,โ Gambhir had remarked.
Ponting responded sharply, calling Gambhir a โpricky characterโ but clarified that he had, in fact, backed Kohli to perform well in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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The debate has added fuel to the highly anticipated series between India and Australia, set to kick off on November 22. Both teams will be eager to assert their dominance, and the exchange of words between the two cricketing stalwarts has only heightened the excitement.
Gangulyโs support for Gambhir underscores the latterโs determination and commitment, traits that will undoubtedly be tested in the high-stakes contest.
