Gautam Gambhir told to stay away from Press Conference after IND vs AUS Pre-Departure

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a debate by criticizing Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s media presence before leaving for Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Sanjay Manjrekar suggested that it might be in the best interest of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to limit Gautam Gambhir's interactions with the media after watching his press conference on Monday (November 11) in Mumbai.

Sanjay Manjrekar criticises Gautam Gambhir's media presence ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Slamming the Indian head coach, the cricket expert said that Gambhir does not have the right "demeanor" or communication skills when it comes to addressing the press. According to Manjrekar, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are far better suited to handle media duties, as they have a more composed and elegant approach than Gambhir.

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In a scathing social media post, the commentator felt Gambhir’s straightforward style is not ideal for representing the Indian cricket team in front of the media, especially when the team, coaches, and players are facing heat in the wake of their 0-3 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand in a Test series at home earlier this month.

He does not have the right demeanor nor the words: Sanjay Manjrekar on Gautam Gambhir

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Sanjay Manjrekar posted: “Just watched Gambhir in the press conference. It may be wise for @BCCI to keep him away from such duties and let him work behind the scenes. He does not have the right demeanor nor the words when interacting with them. Rohit & Agarkar, much better guys to front up for the media.”

Just watched Gambhir in the press conference.
May be wise for @BCCI to keep him away from such duties, let him work behind the scenes. He does not have the right demeanour nor the words when interacting with them. Rohit & Agarkar, much better guys to front up for the media.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 11, 2024

Actually, Gautam Gambhir has sparked the debate with his blunt responses and no-nonsense attitude during the press conference, especially regarding the Indian cricket team's disappointing whitewash against New Zealand at home earlier this month.

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Gambhir didn't mince words while addressing the constant chatter around a "transition phase" in Indian cricket, as he confidently said that the players are hungry, whether there is transition happening or not ahead of the upcoming Test series in Australia.

Gautam Gambhir's no-nonsense attitude sparks controversy over India's "transition phase" and social media criticism

But it was his response to social media criticism that really raised eyebrows, including Sanjay Manjrekar. Despite facing a wave of trolling and negative comments, Gambhir remained unshaken, but he bluntly dismissed the online criticism by saying that social media doesn't affect him at all.

The Indian head coach boldly claimed that online trolling and criticism don’t make any difference to him and stressed that the real strength of the team lies in the tough players in the dressing room. His strong reaction to the trolls irked many, as they felt Gambhir’s approach might not be the best given the team's recent struggles under his guidance.

Notably, the first batch of the Indian contingent already left for Australia on November 10, and the second and last group will fly for the grueling tour on November 11. But there is still no clarity whether Rohit Sharma will leave with the second batch and play in the Perth Test.