Brad Haddin exposes 'backstory' behind Gautam Gambhir and Ricky Ponting's explosive verbal clash

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin has opened up about the recent verbal clash between Gautam Gambhir and Ricky Ponting. Brad Haddin said that he knows the "backstory" between Gautam Gambhir and Ricky Ponting, adding that he would reveal more details later in the week.

It all started when Ricky Ponting expressed concern over Virat Kohli's recent form, noting that Kohli had only scored two Test centuries in the past five years. In response, Gambhir fired back with, "What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket?" during India’s pre-departure press conference.

Brad Haddin Reveals "Backstory" Behind Gautam Gambhir and Ricky Ponting's Tension

During an episode of the LiSTNR podcast, Brad Haddin hinted at the "backstory" between Gautam Gambhir and Ricky Ponting.

"Gambhir is a character that would use this as an us versus them mentality. And you expect your coach to stick up for the players," Haddin said.

"His reaction was prickly there, and you don't need your coach to get caught up in that sort of scenario unless his tactics is to build an us versus them. I know what the backstory. I'll tell you; just wait till later of the week. There was a little elbow, suspensions and fines," he added.

Gautam Gambhir and Shane Watson’s Controversial Elbow Incident

Gambhir and Ponting were both part of the Delhi Capitals in the 2018 IPL season. Gambhir returned to the franchise when Ponting was head coach. He only played half the season before stepping down as captain. There may have been other factors involved, despite Gambhir claiming it was his decision.

Gautam Gambhir was involved in a controversial incident during the 2008 Test series between India and Australia. Gambhir elbowed Shane Watson while running between wickets, which led to sanctions for both players and a one-match ban for Gambhir. Ponting was Australia’s captain at the time.

We're Not Really Talking Now About Rohit Sharma Or Virat Kohli - Brad Haddin

Brad Haddin said that Gautam Gambhir's fiery response to Ricky Ponting's comments might be a strategic move to take attention away from the Indian team. Key players like Kohli and Rohit are under scrutiny due to their recent poor form and with the pressure of securing a spot in the WTC 2025 final.

"It's out of the Wayne Bennett style of coaching. So we're not really talking now about Rohit Sharma or [Virat] Kohli. We're talking about Gambhir and Ricky [Ponting]. With Gambhir, he has bitten back, taken the pressure away from his team. It's all about him now; it's about how prickly he is. And now he might be able to go and prepare his team. You'd like to believe that he has a very clear plan on how they want to ready," Haddin stated.

"We know he's a prickly character and can wind himself up. Is he doing this now to take it away from his teammates? I don't know. Only time will tell. If it's an emotional reaction, then there's a problem. But if he's doing it to deflect things away and take it [attention] away from his team, that's a different thing."

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