‘He had no business’ – Gautam Gambhir lashes out at Sam Konstas after Team India accused of batsman intimidation in BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended his players after Australia head coach Andrew McDonald accused him of celebrating in front of opening batsman Sam Konstas in an ‘intimidating’ manner. The youngster was involved in a clash with Jasprit Bumrah in the final on Day 2 and soon earned the ire of the rest of the team.

Immediately after the Indian captain dismissed Usman Khawaja to end the day, the entire contingent gathered around Konstas to celebrate in his face.

“I spoke to him about whether it was good. Obviously, the way India celebrated it was pretty scary. It’s obviously within the laws of the game, the rules and regulations. No charges have been laid, but to have the opposition come together – When a striker like that, we have a duty to look after our player to make sure he’s good and in the space to go out there and perform,” Andrew McDonald said during his post-Day 2 press conference (via ESPN Cricinfo)

Gambhir, however, disagreed with McDonald’s claims and said there was nothing scary about the way India celebrated Khawaja’s dismissal. He also added that Konstas needlessly interfered in the situation and paid the price for it.

“It’s a tough sport played by tough people. You can’t be that soft. It’s as simple as it gets. I don’t think there was anything scary about it. He had no right to talk to Jasprit Bumrah when Khawaja was he had no business with Bumrah when Usman was batting , that was the umpire’s job,” Gambhir said at the post-match press conference in Sydney. Test (via RevSportz)

Constance it was already on of India radar after his infamous feud with Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and subsequent theatrical performances.

“I don’t think it’s illegal, but some people really take offense to it” – Pat Cummins on Sam Konstas

The young opener made a big difference after coming into the mix mid-series, replacing Nathan McSweeney.

Much like the head coach, Konstas received support from captain Pat Cummins following his performances after coming into the side.

“You’re allowed to walk around with puffy shoulders and play a few cricket shots. I don’t think it’s illegal, but some people are really offended by it and want to put it back in place,” Cummins told the post-match press conference in Sydney (via 7Cricket )

Konstas is likely to keep his place for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, as Australia continue to bleed him in time for the Ashes at the end of 2025.