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New Delhi, Kapil Dev and VVS Laxman believe that India stand an “excellent chance” to win against a “vulnerable” Australian side in the forthcoming ODI and T20 series Down Under. They also backed the selectors’ decision to name Mahendra Singh Dhoni as captain till the World T20 in March-April.
Speaking about the team’s prospects in the upcoming series, the duo felt that the retirement of World Cup-winning skipper Michael Clarke and speedster Mitchell Johnson, besides injuries to pacer Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith, have left the Aussies a little vulnerable. The duo said the short Australian tour was an “ideal opportunity” for the Indians to begin their World T20 preparation in right earnest.
“Australia are definitely beatable and the reason for that is the retirement of Clarke and Johnson. Injuries to Starc and Smith leave them even more vulnerable. Shane Watson would be under a lot of pressure as he is concentrating only on the limited-overs format. It’s a very vulnerable Australian side and it’s the best time for the Indians to win against them,” said Laxman.
“The balance of India’s ODI & T20 teams is very good. They are a fearless bunch of cricketers, full of confidence.”
Laxman felt the Australian attack, too, lacks teeth. “Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are not as experienced as Johnson and Starc.”
The former India batsman felt David Warner was the only player who could trouble India. “He is probably the most dangerous batsman in world cricket. It would be important for the Indian bowlers to take him out early. Having played with him in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar should know how to do it. Getting him out would be crucial to India’s success,” said Laxman.
Kapil, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain, said the bowlers would hold the key to success in the pace-friendly conditions in Australia. He also expressed happiness over the selection of Ashish Nehra in the T20 squad to assist the other Indian pacers.
“If you look at some of the earlier wins in Australia, it was largely due to the contribution made by the bowlers. To me, it’s important to take three wickets in the first 15 overs, even if you leak 90 runs. You can always make a comeback in the middle and death overs. But if you don’t take wickets in first 15 overs, even if you have conceded just 45 runs, the opposition can always make a comeback. By restricting the Australians to 280-odd runs, you can achieve the target.” said Kapil.
“In the T20s, Nehra has the ability to take early wickets with the new ball. He bowls well in the death overs, too, he is an experienced campaigner.”
The duo also lauded the national selectors for bringing Yuvraj Singh back into the team to strengthen the middle order. Laxman, however, felt the selectors had erred by leaving out Suresh Raina from India’s ODI squad.
“Yuvraj is an exciting cricketer. He is a genuine crowd-puller…just like you wanted to see John McEnroe or Diego Maradona. He is a match winner. He can bat at any position, like No. 5 or No. 6,” Kapil said.
Laxman said India were one batsman short and Raina should have been in the team. “Raina is an impact player and crucial to India’s World T20 chances. A lot will depend on him. But it’s also an opportunity for someone like Manish Pandey and Gurkeerat Mann. The No. 6 and 7 are the two troublesome spots for the Indian team, they need to sort it out soon.”
Talking about the leadership qualities of Dhoni and Virat Kohli, both the cricketers felt the team would benefit from Dhoni’s calmness and Kohli’s aggression.
“Dhoni is the most experienced captain in world cricket. But you also need a ruthless and aggressive player like Kohli. You cannot allow the Australian bowlers to get on top of you, that’s where Kohli’s aggression will be important,” said Kapil.
