‘Not a good sign’: Paine’s warning over coach’s Ponting feud; India star injured — Test Daily
Tim Paine is concerned for India’s chances against Australia after their coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a war of words with legend Ricky Ponting.
Gambhir took issue with Ponting’s opinion that he was concerned about Virat Kohli’s form given he has scored two Test match hundreds in the last five years.
“What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket – he should be talking about Australia,” Gambhir said.
In response Ponting called Gambhir a “*****ly customer” and Paine believes it is a sign the India coach is already feeling the pressure ahead of the first Test.
“I don’t love it,” Paine told SEN radio.
“It’s not a good sign I think, because all he was asked was a very simple question.
“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. 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.”
India won their last two series in Australia with former coach Ravi Shastri at the helm.
Paine fears Gambhir’s combative style might not be best suited to the Indian team.
“Their last two series wins out here they had Ravi Shastri who was fantastic,” Paine said.
“He created a great environment, the players were energised, they played with passion, he sold them the dream and motivated them in a really light-hearted enjoyable way,
“They have gone to a new coach now that is really *****ly, 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.
“If your coach is the first one to crack in a press conference after being asked a simple question, it could be a really long summer for Gautam Gambhir if India don’t get off to a good start on Perth.”
SOURCE:
https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...s-story/1c0ea3edbd68ed79a3075cfc85151d94?s=08