Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to limit Gautam Gambhir‘s role in media interactions. This request follows a pre-departure press conference where Gambhir addressed questions about the Indian cricket team‘s upcoming series against Australia, which is part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Manjrekar Critiques Gambhir’s Press Conference Performance
During the press conference held on November 11, Gambhir faced inquiries regarding India’s recent 0-3 series defeat to New Zealand, as well as the forms of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, it was Gambhir’s delivery that drew criticism from Manjrekar. The former batter noted on X that Gambhir’s responses were often bland and lacked depth, stating, “He does not have the right demeanour nor the words when interacting with them.”
Manjrekar suggested that Gambhir should focus on his coaching duties behind the scenes rather than face the media. He recommended that captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar take center stage during media briefings instead. “Just watched Gambhir in the press conference. It may be wise for BCCI to keep him away from such duties,” Manjrekar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Gambhir: India Ready to Dominate in Australia from Ball One
Gambhir’s Press Conference Raise Eyebrows
Gambhir’s press conference was marked by several moments that left journalists wanting more. When asked about Kohli and Rohit’s struggles, his answers were perceived as rushed and lacking engagement. Even when addressing significant issues like Rohit’s potential absence from the first Test due to personal reasons, Gambhir provided limited clarity.
He confirmed that if Rohit is unavailable, KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran would likely open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Additionally, he stated that Jasprit Bumrah would assume captaincy duties if Rohit cannot play. Despite these important topics, many felt that Gambhir’s overall demeanor did not inspire confidence.
Support for Kohli and Rohit Amid Criticism
Despite the criticism directed at his players, Gambhir defended both Kohli and Rohit during the press conference. He expressed faith in their abilities and emphasized their hunger for success. “They are incredibly hungry to achieve more,” he stated, highlighting their past contributions to Indian cricket.
Gambhir also dismissed rumors of a rift between him and Rohit Sharma, asserting that they share a good relationship. “Rohit and I get along very well,” he said, countering speculation regarding internal team tensions following the disappointing series against New Zealand.
Looking Ahead to the Australia Series
As India prepares for a challenging five-Test series against Australia starting November 22 in Perth, all eyes will be on how Gambhir manages both his coaching responsibilities and media interactions moving forward. The team’s performance will be crucial not only for pride but also for their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final.
With Kohli already in Perth and the rest of the squad expected to arrive shortly, fans hope that both players can regain their form in this critical series. As pressure mounts on the team, effective communication from leadership will be essential for navigating this high-stakes environment.
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