Mike Hussey and Gautam Gambhir (Source – Getty Images/BCCI)
The press conference that Gautam Gambhir was a part of in Mumbai today included him addressing various topics before the media. One of the areas which Gambhir touched upon was his indifference to criticism in the digital realm, which included a crude retort to Ricky Ponting’s remarks on ace batters, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Gambhir was of the opinion that the former Australian great should rather focus on Australia than worry about the Indian team.
In a recent discussion, former Australian middle-order batter, Michael Hussey, responded to Gambhir’s latest remarks on the two batters. He backed the duo to bounce back and flourish amidst the scrutiny being imposed on them.
“We will find out in the first Test match where they are at, mentally and from a skill perspective as well. They will be hurt by this, India. They have got a lot of crowd pullers and quality. We just heard from Gambhir talking about Rohit and Kohli not making runs. The silliest thing you can do is to write off champion players. We have seen it so many times in the past – they come under criticism, but they come out and perform really well,” stated Hussey in a conversation with Fox Cricket.
But, I still feel Australia will start favourites: Hussey
Despite reposing trust in Kohli and Rohit to come good, Hussey thought India would be the favourites going into the series.
“So, I’m backing them to perform well in Australia. They are proud Indians and proud Test players. But, I still feel Australia will start favourites,” added Hussey.
Kohli and Rohit did indeed have a lacklustre series against New Zealand with the bat. Both of them could only manage to put together 93 and 91 runs, both in six innings, respectively. There is quite a high likelihood that a high-profile series like the one Down Under might just bring out the best out of them, which would be ever-so vital for India.