xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: As the Border Gavaskar Trophy is knocking, it seems not only fans but former cricketer's nerves are also high! Former Australia cricketer Ricky Ponting has now replied back to Gautam Gambhir saying he is prickly character. 

Earlier Gambhir rebuked Ponting in the press conference before leaving for Australia asking what does Ricky Ponting has to do with Indian cricket in response to Ponting's comment on Virat Kohli. Ponting commented, “There probably wouldn’t be anyone else still playing international cricket as a top-order batsman who’s only scored two Test match hundreds in five years.” 

Read More: BGT 2024-25: 'Will attack Rohit Sharma..', find out what Brett Lee says?

Now in response to Gambhir's press conference Ponting stated on Monday that he was not surprised by the nature of the response from the former India opener, adding that his words were misconstrued in the process. “I said I would be concerned (about Kohli’s form),” Ponting explained on 7NEWS. 

He said, “But I think if you ask Virat, I’m sure Virat would be a little bit concerned that he hasn’t been able to make the same amount of hundreds as he has in previous years. In no way was it a dig at him. I actually followed it up by saying he’s played well in Australia and he’ll be keen to bounce back over here. So, it’s amazing how little things can get cut up, but he’s a class player and he’s played well in Australia in the past."

Read More: OTD: Rohit Sharma's 264 vs Sri Lanka stands historic till day!

Talking on his experience of interacting with Gambhir he said, “I was surprised to read the reaction but knowing the coach, Gautam Gambhir … he’s quite a prickly character, so I’m not surprised it was him who said something back." 

Before the battle starts on the pitch, it has already started off the field. Exchanges of words by both side just are heating up the environment. Will it help or boost up the performances of these teams?