There was a point in Gautam Gambhir’s press conference where it seemed his composure was slightly off balance. Rather, he was a tad irritated. It was when he was asked about a Ricky Ponting comment on Virat Kohli. Gautam, the feisty character that he is, shot back: “What does Ponting know about Indian cricket”…
That’s what brings me to ask why the question was asked in the first place. Why does Ponting saying something about an Indian batter become a national headline in India? Does Sunil Gavaskar saying something or Sachin Tendulkar saying something about an Australian batter become a headline in the media Down Under? The answer is no. Then, why is it that we give so much column-inches to Ponting or anyone else for that matter?
If Ponting was speaking on batting in Australian conditions, it is something that has value. After all, he knows it really well and is indeed in a position to comment. But on Virat? Or Rohit? Or Shubman? He might indeed have an opinion but why do we have to highlight his opinion or treat it as gospel? Do the Australian journalists do any such thing with any of our legends? If Rahul Dravid speaks on Steve Smith for example, will it become a headline or a subject of debate in Australia?
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That’s where Gautam’s annoyance really stems from. For far too long we have given undue importance to foreigners and treated them with reverence. Take a look at the IPL coaching staff and this point is further made clear. Ponting as IPL coach is a failure. Seven seasons and no title, and nothing much to write home about as head coach of Delhi Capitals. In fact, he was removed after seven seasons. And yet, he is the go-to-man for Punjab Kings. How many Indian coaches have got stints in the BBL or the WBBL? And how many Australians get work in India in the IPL or the WPL? Have we ever asked why? For the record, India are the T20 world champions in the men’s game.
This is why you need a Ravi Shastri or a Gautam Gambhir as coach in Australia. Men who can shoot back if needed. Virat did so in 2018. Ajinkya Rahane was able to do so in 2021. When things came to a pass with Siraj, he stood firm and made a point. Remember Ravi Ashwin’s press conference where he spoke extensively about racism?
The truth is what Ponting says about Virat is irrelevant. Rather, we are the ones who are to blame for highlighting it and making it a national talking point. After the New Zealand series loss, there are many who have said Rohit and Virat should retire or they should make way. Two questions for each one of them – in 2018, India beat Australia in their lair. What was the Australian bowling attack like? It was Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood.
Again, in 2021, a half injured India beat Australia in Australia. Who are the bowlers who bowled for Australia? The very same Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood. How many of these bowlers were dropped? After two consecutive home series losses? And had an Indian great said so, would it even merit a discussion Down Under?
So why bother about Ponting and what he says?