Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar took aim at head coach Gautam Gambhir on Monday, targeting him for his lengthy press conference before leaving for Australia. "If I was BCCI, I would take him away from the media and allow him to do his work. Sometimes, nothing is better than that," he opined.
Speaking to X (formerly Twitter), Manjrekar responded this way after Gambhir's press conference in Mumbai where the head coach covered all the topics, right from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form to their home whitewash against New Zealand earlier this month. It isn't surprising that it's Gambhir's candid and blunt response that brings out Manjrekar's reaction.
Just watched Gambhir in the press conference. Maybe wise for @BCCI to keep him away from such duties, let him work behind the scenes. Doesn't have right demeanour nor the words when interacting with them. Rohit & Agarkar, much better guys to front up for the media, Manjrekar wrote on X.
Pressed for comments on former Australia captain Ricky Ponting's remarks on Virat Kohli's form, Gambhir countered with this: "What has Ricky Ponting got to do with Indian cricket? He should be talking about Australia. Look, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still passionate about the game and want to achieve more."
Talking to a reporter about facing criticism on social media after the historic 3-0 series debacle against New Zealand, Gambhir said, "What difference does it make in my life and for anyone's life? When I took up this job, I always thought that it's going to be a highly difficult job and a highly prestigious job as well.". Honestly, I don't feel the pressure because my job is to be absolutely honest and there are some really tough people in that dressing room who have achieved some great things for the country and will continue to achieve some great things for the country. So it's an absolute honour to be coaching them and coaching India."
Gambhir also said, "If Rohit is not available, then Jasprit Bumrah will lead. KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran will probably be considered as alternatives for the opener."
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