Sanjay Manjrekar criticizes Gautam Gambhir's press conference, asks BCCI to never send him again

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir stood his ground, defending his players and addressing the media ahead of his flight to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gambhir highlighted several burning topics, be it the possible absence of Rohit Sharma in the opening Test in Perth or the form of some of the senior players. However, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared a shocking post on social media, asking the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to never send Gambhir for a press conference again.

Gambhir addressed the media for the first time after the Indian team was eliminated in the 3-match series against New Zealand at home. As expected, some serious questions were put to him but Gambhir was not deterred by this and kept dodging every bullet. However, Manjrekar was not impressed.

“Just saw Gambhir at the press conference. It might be wise for @BCCI to keep him away from such duties, let him work behind the scenes. He neither has the right conduct nor the right conduct while interacting with them. Neither words. Rohit and Agarkar, the very former Indian cricketer wrote on X (formerly Twitter), are better people to come forward to the media.

Just saw Gambhir in the press conference.
may be wise to @bcci To keep him away from such duties, let him work behind the scenes. While conversing with them neither their behavior nor words are correct. Rohit and Agarkar are far better people to face the media.

– Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) 11 November 2024

During the press conference, Gambhir did not give any clarity on captain Rohit Sharma's availability for the Perth Test, but confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team if the captain misses the test.

“Look, there is no confirmation at the moment, but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he will be available, but everything you want to know before the series starts will be available.

“Bumrah is the vice-captain, so obviously he will (lead the team). If Rohit is not available, he will lead in Perth,” Gambhir said.

Gambhir also confirmed that if Rohit misses the Perth Test, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the top candidates to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal.