Not Kohli or Rohit's form, Gambhir is India's biggest problem: Paine

Former Australia captain Tim Paine lambasted India head coach Gautam Gambhir for his reactions to Ricky Ponting’s comments regarding the dwindling form of India’s biggest stars Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma. 

“I don’t love it. It’s not a good sign I think, because all he was asked was a very simple question,” Pain was quoted as saying to SEN Tassie about Gambhir’s reactions. 

Ponting had pointed out Kohli and Rohit’s waning form as a concern for the tourists when the press, on the pre-tour conference of the Indian head coach, sought his opinion about the same. To that, Gambhir replied that Ponting should think about Australian players and that he has nothing to do with the form of Indian players.

“I think he’s maybe looking at Ricky still 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. 

Paine further added that Gambhir’s hot-headedness and his ability to stay calm in pressure situations is India’s biggest issue going into the five-Test series. 

"Virat has been sliding, it is a concern. 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,” said the 39-year-old. 

Paine, who was leading Australia on the previous occasion when India visited, praised the Indian coach on that tour, Ravi Shastri, saying that he was able to sell the dream to the Indian players.  

“Their last two series wins out here they had Ravi Shastri who was fantastic. He created a great environment, the players were energised, they played with passion, and he sold them the dream and motivated them in a light-hearted enjoyable way. 

"They have gone to a new coach now who is prickly, and competitive – and that is 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,” said the man who represented Australia in 35 Tests, 35 ODIs and 12 T20Is.

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out on our content — big time. Download the App here.