Indian coach Gautam Gambhir has hit back at suggestions that his team intimidated Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches.
Gambhir criticised the Australian camp for describing the confrontation as “intimidating,” calling it an example of Australia being “soft.”
The tension flared on day one of the decisive SCG Test when Konstas, trying to waste time late in the day, was involved in a heated exchange with Jasprit Bumrah after Usman Khawaja’s dismissal.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed concern for the 19-year-old’s welfare following the incident, but Gambhir dismissed the claims.
“It’s a tough sport played by tough men. You can’t be that soft,” Gambhir said, adding that Konstas had “no right” to engage with Bumrah. “He had no business to be involved with Jasprit Bumrah, that was a job for the umpire.”
Gambhir also played down the physical confrontation between Virat Kohli and Konstas at the MCG, noting, “Whatever happened, happened,” and suggesting such incidents were nothing new in cricket.
While Gambhir acknowledged Konstas’ potential, he advised the teenager to adjust his aggressive style to the demands of Test cricket.
“Test cricket is all about improving every day,” Gambhir remarked. “Sometimes you can’t just go out there and keep smashing from ball one. You’ve got to respect red-ball cricket.”
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, defended Konstas, praising his confidence and resilience.
“You’re allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and play a few cricket shots,” Cummins said. “He’s been really good this series. He’s stood up for himself when he needed to.”
Despite the ongoing tensions, Gambhir noted that Konstas’ early performances, including a promising half-century at the MCG, showed his potential. “That’s why he’s playing Test cricket,” Gambhir concluded.
Source: ABC News.
