In the wake of India’s crushing defeat in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has criticized Australia’s debutant Sam Constas after the 19-year-old was involved in a verbal spat with India’s pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Sydney.
During the match, Constas was seen exchanging heated words with Bumrah, which visibly frustrated the Indian bowler. However, the situation was quickly defused by Australian batsman Usman Khawaja.
Gambhir, commenting on the incident, deemed the exchange of harsh words between Constas and Bumrah inappropriate, asserting that the young cricketer had no right to get involved in such a confrontation. He further stated that the matter should have been addressed by the umpires and Khawaja.
Earlier, former captain Virat Kohli had also clashed with Constas after the Australian opener allegedly elbowed him, which led to widespread criticism. Following the incident, Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and given a demerit point.
The incident sparked a storm of controversy, with The West Australian newspaper running a headline calling Kohli a “clown,” which enraged Indian supporters. The next day, the publication featured a photo of Constas with the caption “I’m your father,” referring to a well-known taunt Kohli had directed at opponents in the past.
Meanwhile, following India’s 1-3 defeat in the series, their hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship have been dashed, while Australia clinched the series with a dominant performance.
