Tim Paine tears apart Gautam Gambhir amidst public standoff with Ricky Ponting

Former Australia captain Tim Paine defended Ricky Ponting over the recent verbal clash with Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir regarding Virat Kohli’s batting form. Tim Paine stated that Gambhir overreacted to Ponting’s comments, adding that the coach needs to stay calm under pressure.

It all started when Ricky Ponting criticized Virat Kohli for his lack of form in Tests, adding that the batter had scored only two centuries in the past five years. In response, Gautam Gambhir fired back at Ponting during a press conference. The Indian coach said that Ponting should focus on Australian cricket.

Ponting fired back at Gautam Gambhir after the latter’s comments during a press conference. The World Cup-winning captain wasn't surprised and called Gambhir a "prickly" character. He also stated that Virat would be a bit concerned that he hasn't been able to score as many centuries as he used to.

Tim Paine Questions Gautam Gambhir's Inability to Stay Calm Under Pressure

Speaking to SEN Tassie, Tim Paine said that Gautam Gambhir may still see Ponting as an opponent rather than a commentator. Paine emphasized that Ponting is paid to give an opinion as a commentator. He stated that Gambhir's inability to stay calm under pressure is a concern for India.

"I don’t love it. I think he’s maybe looking at Ricky still as someone he’s playing against, but Ricky is a commentator now - he’s paid to give an opinion, and his opinion was spot on," Paine said.

"Virat has been sliding, it is a concern, absolutely. But for me now, the biggest concern for India right now isn’t Rohit Sharma’s batting, isn’t Virat Kohli’s batting, it’s their coach and his ability to stay calm under pressure," he added.

They Had Ravi Shastri Who Was Fantastic - Tim Paine

Tim Paine said that former India coach Ravi Shastri created a positive environment for the team, which played a big role in their success. Paine said that Shastri motivated players with passion and a relaxed atmosphere. However, he added that Gambhir is too prickly and not a great fit for the team.

“Their last two series wins out here they had Ravi Shastri who was fantastic. He created a great environment, the players were energized, they played with passion, he sold them the dream and motivated them in a really light-hearted enjoyable."

"They have gone to a new coach now that is really prickly, really competitive - and that not to say that’s not a good thing and a good way to coach - but my concern is that it’s not a great fit for the Indian cricket team," Paine said in the same interview.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Set To Commence On November 22

Virat Kohli's recent form has dipped in red-ball cricket. He scored just 93 runs in six innings, with only one fifty-plus score during the home series against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir has faced a tough start as Team India coach. India suffered 0-2 and 0-3 series defeats in ODIs and Tests to Sri Lanka and New Zealand, despite wins in T20Is and Tests against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The BGT 2024-25 series is set to begin in Perth on November 22.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI-Jay Shah Show Muscle Power; Bring Pakistan on Knees to Remove Trophy Tour from PoK

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