Melbourne: Responding to Gautam Gambhir's jibe at him, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Wednesday said the India head coach was a "prickly character" and insisted that his comments on Virat Kohli should not be construed as a dig on the star batter,

Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia, tensions are already brewing off the field. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir seem to be at odds after a recent exchange of comments about Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had said that Virat Kohli's form is a concern, given the Indian batter has scored just two Test hundreds in the last five years but felt that he has it in him to roar back to form and there is no better place than Australia to do so.

Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Indian cricket coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed Ricky Ponting's criticism of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's recent form. Gambhir emphasized the importance of the team's hunger for success over external commentary.

Former Australia pacer Brett Lee has advised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to 'get away from cricket' after India suffered a 0-3 loss against New Zealand.

India coach Gautam Gambhir has staunchly defended Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, firing back at Australian legend Ricky Ponting for his criticism of the out-of-form stars.