Virat Kohli & Co wrote the story when they last visited Australia for the Down Under series. In the 2018-19 season, India won the 4-match test series 2-1 and Kohli became the first Asian captain to beat the Australians in his own backyard.
Two years later, the Indian contingent is once again in kangaroo land with the aim of retaining the Border-Gavaskar trophy. However, this time the scenarios are completely different: strict COVID-19 SoPs, bio-bubble regulations and, most importantly, the absence of Virat Kohli in the last three tests.
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While there is speculation the tour won’t be easy for the Indians without Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri has rejected any suggestion that the team feel pressure.
“Where is the pressure? We have come here and we are going to play our natural game. I have told the guys to respect the terrain and the opponents, but play cricket without fear, ”Shastri told Sportstar in conversation.
The Indian head coach relies heavily on rhythm drums. He is aware that Ishant Sharma’s participation in the Test series is doubtful due to his injury. However, he believes that the five named pacemakers on the team are quite capable of producing brilliant cricket.
“We have five great ones: (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, Umesh (Yadav) and Navdeep Saini. Yadav has the experience. Saini is young and fast. Bumrah one of the best in business. Shami is eager to go. Siraj is an interesting prospect. You put races on the board and watch these fast launchers hunt down the opponent. They can beat Australia in their own lair, ”Shastri said.
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The test series begins December 17 in Adelaide. The first game is a day and night affair. The India team has the least experience of the same, but Shastri wants his guys to “go and enjoy their game.”
“Our guys haven’t played much pink ball in domestic cricket, but I just want them to go and enjoy their game. What matters is that they will have some physical fitness for white ball cricket and now they have to show if they have the will to adapt. Get experience from here because God willing, there will never be a situation like this again. This challenge of the pandemic and quarantine, ”said Shastri.
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