Ex Australia Captain Tim Paine continues attack on India head coach, ‘his attitude…’
Former Australian captain Tim Paine has continued his criticism of India’s head coach, GautamGambhir, ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After previously stating that Gambhir’s inability to remain calm under pressure was India’s “biggest concern” for the five-match series starting on November 22, Paine further expressed doubts about Gambhir’s temperament. Drawing comparisons with former India coach Ravi Shastri, under whom India secured back-to-back Test series wins in Australia, Paine questioned whether Gambhir’s approach would suit the current Indian team.
“One of the key factors in India’s success in those two series wins against us was Ravi Shastri’s attitude,” Paine wrote in his column. “He was boisterous and carefree, giving his players the confidence to fight back from adversity, like when they were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide during the 2020-21 series. I have serious reservations about GautamGambhir’s temperament and whether his approach will work with this group of players.”
Paine’s criticism followed Gambhir’s heated response to Australian legend Ricky Ponting’s concerns about ViratKohli’s form. During a pre-departure press conference, Gambhir’s sharp rebuttal to Ponting’s remarks didn’t sit well with the Australian cricket fraternity, with Ponting calling Gambhir “prickly.” Paine echoed this sentiment, adding, “Biting back at Ponting’s comments shows a man too concerned with things outside his control and suggests he’s feeling the pressure after the home series loss to New Zealand.”