Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir hit back at Sam Konstas over his verbal altercation with Jasprit Bumrah on day one of the Sydney Test. Gambhir opined that Konstas had no right to be involved when Bumrah was speaking to the umpire and Usman Khawaja over taking time.
The incident occurred in the dying moments of day one of the Sydney Test as Khawaja took some time to face the last two deliveries. With India's pace spearhead expressing his displeasure over consuming plenty of time, Konstas exchanged some heated words with Bumrah. However, Bumrah struck in the last ball of the day, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting side.
When asked by a reporter about Australia's coach Andrew McDonald's comments about India being intimidating towards the 19-year-old, Gambhir said players can't be soft on the pitch. The retired cricketer said:
"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 Usman Khawaja was taking his time and no business to be involved with Jasprit Bumrah. It was the job of the umpire and the guy batting at the other end."
Sam Konstas dismissed by Mohammed Siraj in the first innings
While Bumrah didn't get Konstas' wicket in the first innings in Sydney, Mohammed Siraj eventually did so as the right-hander looked to drive and only managed an outside edge, caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Australia eventually won the match by six wickets, chasing a tricky 162 to take the series by 3-1. In the process, they also reached the World Test Championship final.
