Indian cricket legend Gautam Gambhir reflected on a memorable encounter with Australian great Ricky Ponting during the 2008 Border Gavaskar Trophy. This instance of sledging spurred Gambhir to achieve the feat of emerging as the leading runscorer in the series. Despite his gradual establishment as Indias Test opener this series marked Gambhirs inaugural comprehensive battle against Australia since his sole Test appearance in 2004.
Gautam Gambhir had only one century into the series, leading Ponting to take a shot at a still-young Test batsman. Despite playing in only three of the four games, Gambhir finished as the leading run-getter with 463 runs at an average of more than 77.
In a recent interview with Forbes India, Gambir was asked the funniest sledge he experienced. He responded:
“The funniest sledge was when I was playing my first Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Bangalore. Ricky Pointing said something when I was batting. He was at a silly point, and he said, ‘You haven’t set the world on fire’ or something like that. I had finished the series as the highest run-scorer.”
Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir struck a century and a double century in consecutive games, guiding India to a 2-0 series victory.
Meanwhile, Ponting had another poor trip of India, making only 266 runs at an average of 38 across four Tests.
“He’s been a bunny in India” – Gautam Gambhir
In a recent interview Gautam Gambhir humorously recounted his way of countering Ricky Pontings taunt by jokingly highlighting Pontings horrid Test record in India.
Despite his impressive overall Test record amassing over 13000 runs at an average of 51.85 and recording 41 centuries the former Australian captain faced significant struggles during his time in India. Despite Pontings notable achievements including just one century in 14 Tests in India his average dwindled to a mere 26.48.
“He was at silly point, and he said ‘you haven’t set the world on fire’. I said ‘Neither have you in India. To be honest, you have been a bunny’. His record says that as well, he’s been a bunny in India.”
Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir and Ponting engaged in several intense battles during closely contested India-Australia Tests in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
In the thrilling whirlwind of the recently concluded IPL Gautam Gambhir embraced his role as the mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders while Ricky Ponting steered the ship as the head coach for the Delhi Capitals.