The Indian cricket team's batsmen have faced intense criticism following their 0-3 whitewash in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand.
The Indian cricket team's batsmen have faced significant criticism after suffering a 0-3 whitewash in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. Many of India's top-order players, including stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, struggled against the spinners, drawing criticism from both fans and experts. In response, legendary former captain Kapil Dev emphasized that consistent practice is key to improvement and urged the batters to "go back to the basics" to regain their form.
Kapil Dev advised the struggling batters to focus on the fundamentals and dedicate themselves to consistent practice. Speaking to CricketNext, he said, “Go back to the basics. Keep practicing. If you think you'll improve by simply sitting in a room, that’s not going to work. If you’re going through a tough phase, the best way to overcome it is by practicing more. The more you practice, the better it will be for you."
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes his team will win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 against India, citing the challenge of taking 20 wickets in a Test match as the key obstacle for the hosts. Ponting pointed out that with Mohammed Shami absent, India’s bowling attack will be significantly weakened, making it more difficult for them to dismiss the opposition.
Australia is determined to break their losing streak in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having failed to win the series since 2014-15. India has claimed victory in each of the last four editions, including historic wins on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
After India endured the historic setback of a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand, Ricky Ponting expressed increased confidence in Australia’s chances of defeating the hosts in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series. On the ICC Review Show, Ponting remarked, "Probably more so now (than before)," highlighting the shift in momentum.
Mohammed Shami has been unavailable since last November due to injuries, and Ricky Ponting feels his absence significantly weakens India's bowling lineup. With Shami missing, the Indian attack will rely on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and uncapped Harshit Rana, but Ponting believes Shami's experience will be sorely missed.
Ricky Ponting highlighted the significant impact of Mohammed Shami's absence, stating, "Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group." He recalled that there was uncertainty in August about whether Shami would be fit for the series. Ponting believes India's biggest challenge will be taking 20 wickets in a Test match without their key bowler, though he acknowledged that India's batting lineup, with its current group of players, would likely perform well.
While praising Australia as a more settled team, Ponting also warned that India should not be underestimated. He predicted that India would manage to win at least one Test during the five-match series, which begins on November 22 in Perth. "I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches," he added.
(Source:NDTV)
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