Indian coach Gautam Gambhir has criticized the Australian cricket team for being “soft” after accusations that Indian players, including star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, intimidated young Australian opener Sam Konstas during the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Gambhir’s comments come in response to Australian coach Andrew McDonald’s concern for Konstas’s well-being following a confrontation with Bumrah. The tension arose when Konstas appeared to deliberately stall the game to avoid a wicket under the lights, leading to an aggressive exchange after Usman Khawaja was dismissed on the day’s final ball.
Gambhir brushed off the incident, asserting that cricket is a “tough sport played by tough men” and suggested that Konstas had overstepped by engaging with Bumrah. The confrontation reignited tensions first sparked during an earlier encounter between Konstas and Virat Kohli at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Gambhir downplayed the significance of these altercations, arguing that such incidents have long been part of the game.
Australian captain Pat Cummins defended Konstas, praising his confident demeanor against India’s attempts to unsettle him. Cummins expressed admiration for Konstas, noting that standing firm was integral to his identity as a player. Despite Gambhir’s critique, he acknowledged Konstas’s potential but advised that the young opener has much to learn about the nuances of Test cricket.
Konstas, who made an impressive debut with a half-century in his initial innings, struggled in subsequent games, including a critical misjudged shot at the SCG. Gambhir emphasized the importance of adaptability and learning when facing high-caliber teams like India, suggesting these experiences will be valuable for Konstas’s growth in international cricket.
