Ex-BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has jumped in support of senior India batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been under the scanners for their underwhelming performances in red-ball cricket.

Responding to a query about Ponting's comments, Gambhir asked, "What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket?" He added that for him, the hunger in the dressing room is most important. He called Kohli and Sharma incredibly tough men, stressing on their resilience amid criticism.

Fatigue was cited as the reason when Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also skipped the Duleep Trophy besides Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has backed underfire duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli despite their poor run of form before the Australia Tests. Here is what he said -

Speaking on Fox Cricket, former Australia cricketer Michael Hussey pointed out that while India skipper Rohit Sharma and ace batter Virat Kohli in particular had a poor series against New Zealand, one should not write off champion players.