"If you ask Virat Kohli"- Ricky Ponting issues open threat to Gautam Gambhir after verbal spat

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has responded to Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir's comments on him over underfire Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Ricky Ponting said that he wasn't surprised by Gautam Gambhir's reaction, describing the former Indian opener as a 'prickly character.'

Kohli’s form has declined noticeably in recent years in red-ball cricket. He scored only 93 runs in six innings at an average of 15.50, his worst average in a home contest in seven years. It is worth mentioning that the right-handed batter has hit just three centuries in his last 60 Test innings across five years.

There Wouldn't Be Anyone Else - Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting questioned Virat Kohli's form, especially after India's home Test series against New Zealand, where the Rohit Sharma-led team suffered a humiliating 0-3 whitewash. He said that no other player could have played for so long without being dropped with just two centuries in the past five years.

"There wouldn't be anyone else probably even playing international cricket as a top-order batsman," Ponting said in the ICC Podcast last week.

What Does Ponting Have To Do With Indian Cricket? - Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir responded strongly to Ponting's comments during a press conference before India’s departure to Perth for the Test series. Gambhir defended both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, adding that Ponting has nothing to do with Indian cricket.

"What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? I think he should think about Australian cricket," he said. "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."

He's Quite A Prickly Character - Ricky Ponting

Speaking to Channel Seven on the same day, Ricky Ponting said that he and Gautam Gambhir have had a history since their playing days. Ponting clarified that his remark was not intended as a criticism of Kohli. He stated Kohli might be concerned about not hitting as many centuries lately.

“I said I would be concerned (about his form),” Ponting told 7NEWS. “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."

Virat Kohli's form will be crucial for the Men in Blue as they need to win the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by a 4-0 margin to advance to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final. The first Test of the five-match series will be played in Perth, starting on Friday, November 22.

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