"Social media what difference does it make in my life?" - Gautam Gambhir on criticism after home Test series loss to New Zealand

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed feeling pressure due to social media criticism of him after the side's shocking home Test series loss to New Zealand. India suffered a 0-3 whitewash at the hands of the Blackcaps to surrender their first home Test series in almost 12 years.

It was also the first time India had been whitewashed in a home Test series with three matches or more. Considering it was Gambhir's second Test assignment as head coach, fans on social media heavily criticized the former batter for the tumultuous start.

Speaking at the press conference before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy down under, Gambhir responded to social media criticisms by saying:

"What difference does it make tell me? Social media what difference does it make in my life? And for that matter, anyone’s life. And when I took up this job, I always think it's going to be a highly difficult job and highly prestigious job as well. And honestly, I don't think as if I'm feeling the heat, because my job is to be absolutely honest."

He added:

"And there are some incredibly tough people in that dressing room who have achieved some great things for the country and will continue to achieve some great things for the country. So it's an absolute honor to be coaching them and coaching India."

Before the New Zealand defeat, India also lost the ODI series in Sri Lanka by a 2-0 margin in Gambhir's first white-ball tour as head coach.

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"Ricky Ponting should think about Australian cricket, what concerns he has for Indian cricket?" - Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir also hit back at former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for his recent criticism of ace batter Virat Kohli.

Kohli has been in woeful form in Tests this year and over the past few years, leading Ponting to suggest that any other players wouldn't have lasted in the side with only two centuries in the previous five years.

"Ricky Ponting should think about Australian cricket, what concerns he has for Indian cricket? Virat and Rohit are incredibly tough men. They've achieved a lot for Indian cricket and they will continue to achieve a lot. They still work really hard. They're still passionate. They still want to achieve a lot more and that is something which is very important," Gambhir said.

Team India and Kohli will look to bounce back in the all-important five-Test series in Australia, starting in Perth on November 22.