Biggest concern for India is coach Gambhir’s ability to remain calm under pressure, says Paine

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine expressed concern about India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s recent comments towards Ricky Ponting, saying the biggest concern for the visitors in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy could be his inability to remain calm under pressure.

Ponting had opined that he was concerned about Virat Kohli’s form, noting that Kohli had scored only two Test hundreds in the last five years. Gambhir responded in the pre-departure press conference, saying, “What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should be talking about Australia.” This led to Ponting describing Gambhir as a “prickly customer.”

“I don’t love it. It’s not a good sign, I think, because all he was asked was a very simple question. I think he’s maybe still looking at Ricky 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 on SEN Radio.

“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,” Paine added.

The first of five Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests between Australia and India begins in Perth on November 22, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. Paine also pointed out that former head coach Ravi Shastri, who was in charge during India’s two Test series wins in Australia, brought a bundle of energy with his light-hearted nature. Paine felt this is something that is currently missing under Gambhir’s leadership.

“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 way,” Paine said.

“They’ve gone to a new coach now that is really prickly, really competitive — and that’s 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 in Perth,” he concluded.