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The Indian cricket team's departure for the Australia tour has sparked a controversy surrounding the media interaction style of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, known for his sharp commentary, has publicly criticized Gambhir's communication, suggesting that he lacks the necessary 'demeanour' and 'words' for dealing with the press. The issue arose following a press conference where Gambhir's candid responses to questions about Virat Kohli's form and his own pressures as coach drew attention.
Manjrekar's criticism stemmed from Gambhir's response to a question about Australian great Ricky Ponting's comments on Kohli's poor form. Gambhir, in his characteristically direct manner, dismissed the relevance of Ponting's opinions by saying, 'What Ricky Ponting has to do with Indian Cricket? I think he should think about Australian Cricket.' This response, along with other remarks, led Manjrekar to publicly call on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to limit Gambhir's interactions with the media. Manjrekar, in a social media post, suggested that skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar would be better suited for press conferences, implying that Gambhir's communication style could be detrimental to the team's image.
Despite the controversy surrounding his media interaction, Gambhir remains resolute in his support for his players. He vehemently defended both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing their hunger and ability to perform well in Australia. Gambhir acknowledged the challenges of his role but expressed confidence in the team's strength, highlighting the presence of 'incredible people in the dressing room.' The first batch of Indian players arrived in Australia on Sunday evening, while Kohli landed in Perth earlier. The first Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Perth on November 22, setting the stage for an anticipated showdown between the two cricketing powerhouses.
Source: Sanjay Manjrekar wants BCCI to 'keep Gautam Gambhir away' from press conferences