India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended his players after Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, accused them of celebrating in an ‘intimidating’ manner in front of opening batter Sam Konstas.
Konstas had a heated exchange with Jasprit Bumrah in the final over of Day 2 and quickly drew the ire of the Indian team. After dismissing Usman Khawaja to close the day, the entire Indian squad surrounded Konstas to celebrate right in front of him.
“My conversation with him was around whether he’s okay. Clearly, the way India celebrated that was quite intimidating. It’s clearly within the laws of the game, the rules and regulations.”
“There’s been no charges laid, but to have an opposition swarm the non-striker like that, we’ve got a duty of care to our player to make sure he’s okay and in a headspace to go out there and perform,” Andrew McDonald said during the press conference after Day 2 (via ESPN Cricinfo)
Gambhir, however, rejected McDonald’s accusations, asserting that India’s celebration of Khawaja’s dismissal was not intimidating. He also mentioned that Konstas unnecessarily interfered in the situation and faced the consequences.
“It’s a tough sport played by tough men. You can’t be that soft. As simple as it can get. I don’t think there was anything intimidating about it.”
“He had no right to be talking to Jasprit Bumrah when Khawaja was taking time He had no business to be involved with Bumrah when Usman was batting, that was the job of the umpire,” Gambhir said during the post-match press conference after the Sydney Test (via RevSportz)
“I don’t think it’s illegal, but some people find it offensive”- Pat Cummins on Sam Konstas
The young opener had a significant impact after joining the team midway through the series, replacing Nathan McSweeney. Similar to the head coach, Konstas earned support from captain Pat Cummins for his performances after being included in the side.
“You’re allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and play a few cricket shots. I don’t think that’s illegal but some people really take offence to that and want to put him back in his place,” Cummins said in the post-match press conference in Sydney (via 7Cricket)
Konstas is expected to keep his spot for the Sri Lanka tour as Australia prepares him for the Ashes in late 2025.
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