'They were more professional': Gambhir in 1st media interaction post NZ rout

Indian coach Gautam Gambhir on Monday admitted that India were "outplayed in all three departments" by New Zealand and the Kiwis were "more professional" than them during the recent series that saw Indian being whitewashed at home.

Addressing the media for the first time after the New Zealand series, in the lead up to India's Tour of Australia, Gambhir told new agency ANI, "Obviously, the learning is that we accept that we were outplayed. I'm not going to sit here and defend. I think we were outplayed in all three departments. They were more professional, and we accept that. I think the criticism we are receiving, we take it with both hands, and we keep moving forward, and keep getting better every day."

"My relationship with Rohit has been incredible...Three test matches before, we had an incredible test match in Kanpur as well. I know that we haven't played our best cricket, but it doesn't change anything. Australia is a new series and a new opponent. We go out there thinking that we're going to definitely try and win that series,"Gambhir added.

Gambhir also confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will lead India in the Perth Test if Rohit Sharma is not available for selection. On the criticism he and the team are facing, he said, "I am not feeling the heat, it's absolute honour and privilege to coach India."

"There are incredible people in the dressing room who have done a great job," Gambhir said during the pre-departure press conference.

Gautam Gambhir further put up a stout defence of under-pressure skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, saying they are still "incredibly hungry" to perform and will bounce back in Australia.

When asked if he feels pressure like Duncan Fletcher's time when team was in transition, he replied: "I am not thinking about transition but the five Test matches. Transition or no transition, if that has to happen, will happen but I see some incredibly tough characters in that dressing room who are hungry to do well."

The coach informed that Jasprit Bumrah, as the designated vice-captain, will lead the side if in the series-opening Perth Test if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for personal reasons.

He also said the team has options in KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran for the opener's slot.

The first Test starts in Perth on November 22.

(With PTI Inputs)