'Ponting throws me in deep end': Former cricketer slams Gautam Gambhir, reaffirms Virat Kohli comments

New Delhi: Ricky Ponting has raised questions about Virat Kohli's selection for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indian batsman has been facing criticism for his recent form and there are doubts surrounding his Test credentials.

Virat Kohli boasts one of the best records against Australia and, at 36, is eager to prove himself once again in what promises to be a challenging series. Along with Rohit Sharma, he is expected to spearhead India’s efforts as the team faces immense pressure to perform.

Gautam Gambhir’s team suffered a humiliating whitewash against New Zealand in the home series and now faces a daunting challenge on Australian soil. To secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, they must win the five-match Test series 4-0.

Ponting once again took aim at Gambhir, reiterating his stance during an appearance on the podcast show The Run Home with Joel & Fletch. He said, “I’m not sure if I mentioned a couple of them, but I reckon he’s just throwing me in the deep end, trying to find their two most experienced and make sure when they come out, they put that back on me.”

“I was asked the other night if I was concerned about Virat Kohli’s form. A day before, I had read his stats from the last five years, so it was clear in my mind. I think he made only two (three) centuries in the last five years. His average in India is now down to 30 from 90, during this period. So yes, I would be concerned. And I said if you ask him about his form, he would be concerned because it is nowhere near what it used to be. But then I said since he loves playing in Australia and has a great record here, so if there ever was a tour where he could turn things around, it would be this. But they never talked about the second part. Then Gambhir went and faced the press having just lost against New Zealand. The hair on the back of his neck is already standing up. We got a bit of history as well, but he took a chance to fire back at me.”