Gautam Gambhir with Indian captain Rohit Sharma (centre). This photo was taken on October 20 during the India-New Zealand Test series.
The Indian team coach has denied any form of pressure ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Regarding Ricky Ponting’s statement, he said that he should concentrate on his cricket.
Gambhir held a press conference before the team left for Australia. Gambhir was in front of the media at a time when the Indian team had lost the Test series 3-0 against New Zealand at home.
Gambhir said: “I am not under any pressure. The seniors of the team will make a comeback in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). If Rohit is not available in the Perth Test, then Bumrah can take the captain’s position.”
The Indian team will play a series of 5 test matches in Australia. It will begin on November 22 in Perth. The final test will be played from January 3 to 7.
Gambhir’s answers on 5 challenges before BGT
1. Virat-Rohit Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not play much in the 3-match series against New Zealand. New Zealand has made a clean slate. Rohit Sharma has scored a total of 91 runs in 3 matches. Kohli’s figure was 93 runs. Gambhir said: “Both still have a huge thirst for performance and racing. Both will return to Australia. There are a lot of great players in our dressing room who have played great cricket.
2. Ricky Ponting Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently said on Kohli’s form that he managed to score only 2 centuries in the last 5 years. He also said that the Indian team would not be able to perform well in BGT and would lose all the matches. Regarding this, Gautam Gambhir said that Ponting should focus on Australian cricket, what does he have to do with Indian cricket.
The last Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia was held in India in 2023, and was won by India. Captain Rohit Sharma pictured in the last Test of this series.
3. New Zealand Defeat and Pressure After the Test series defeat against New Zealand, some reports claimed that there would be a lot of pressure on Gambhir at the BGT. If he does not perform well then he may be removed from the post of Indian coach. On the issue of pressure, Gambhir said, “I am not under any pressure. We face criticism. We accept it openly. We must move forward. We are going to play a new series in Australia.
4. Australian conditions Coach Gambhir said that I don’t think about the players’ adaptation to the Australian environment. I’m not thinking about the team’s transition phase either. Whether there is a change or not, I am thinking of 5 Test matches. We have strong characters in our locker room who are hungry to do well.
5. Rohit Sharma It is possible that due to personal reasons, Rohit Sharma may not be able to participate in the first Test held in Perth. On this, Gambhir said that if Rohit doesn’t play, Jasprit Bumrah will be captain. He is the vice-captain of the team. In these conditions, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran can open in place of Rohit.
Australia couldn’t beat India in BGT for 10 years
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India lost by three wickets in second T20, analysis
South Africa beat India by 3 wickets in the second T20 International. Indian team lost the toss and batted first and scored 124 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs. South Africa reached the target of 125 runs by losing 7 wickets in 19 overs. Tristan Stubbs played an undefeated 47-run inning. He was the top scorer in this low-scoring game.